In some circumstances, the implantation of special (multifocal) lenses that allow close and distant vision is also possible. To find out whether this is the case with you, the doctor will talk to you directly during the preliminary examination.
In principle, this is possible, but is done only in exceptional cases, as unnecessary operations should be avoided. However, if the lens exchange is indeed necessary, then this can be done in a short intervention.
Ophthalmology now has over 50 years of experience in the materials used to make the lenses. A modern intraocular lens lasts a lifetime.
No. Despite the high quality standards, the prices of the ELZA are the same as in a public hospital.
Yes. The services are uniformly regulated throughout Switzerland, whether you live in Geneva or Chur.
No. At most, something called “posterior capsule opacification” can develop, but this can be removed easily with a laser, on an outpatient basis, without having to reopen the eye.
Yes, today we can gently treat the cataract with a femtosecond laser. The removal of cataract by femtosecond laser is the most advanced method of cataract surgery and we use it regularly. However, it is not yet covered by Swiss health insurance companies.
Patients often assume that a cataract must be well advanced before surgery is necessary. This is not correct. If your ophthalmologist sees signs of cataract and you start to notice visual disturbances, you should ask your ophthalmologist about the options available to you before it starts to affect your quality of life.
Left untreated, the cataract progresses. Your lens becomes increasingly opaque. The rate at which cataracts develop varies from person to person, but the end result is always the same: once the lens is completely clouded, the result is blindness. Furthermore, more advanced cataracts are more difficult to remove: the surgery takes longer and the risk of complications rise, so it’s important not to wait too long for surgery.
In most cases, the operation is performed by means of a local anesthesia with eyedrops. General anasethesia is very, very rare in cataract surgery, and is used only in very special cases.
Yes. If necessary, your surgeon will also provide you with painkillers and medicines to help you relax during the procedure.
The surgery itself typically lasts between 15 and 30 minutes. However, if you add up the total time you spend with us (preparation, surgery, rest afterwards), the entire process takes between 2–3 hours.
No. Make-up near the eye (especially eyeliner and mascara) may contain pigment particles as well as bacteria. We ask that you do not use make-up three days before surgery and one week after surgery
No. Continue with all medications until the day before surgery as normal. Do not use eye drops in the eye that will be operated on the day of surgery. Eye drops for the other eye can be used as normal.
Please do not eat any food for at least 4 hours before the operation, however, a cup of tea on the morning of the operation is allowed.
The choice of artificial, or intraocular lens (IOL), that patients receive during cataract surgery depends on their lifestyle and their visual needs. Your surgeon will make a clear recommendation based on your stated needs. However, it is recommended that patients understand what monofocal, multifocal lenses, and toric lenses are and how they work before this meeting.
This would be easier. The painkiller we give you may make you feel dazed, which can make using public transport problematic.
You’re usually ready to return to work within one week, and in rare cases, two weeks.
In the first week, you can run the shower, ensuring that no water gets in your eyes. You can apply make-up after ten days – but you must take care not to rub when removing make-up, only dab. Sporting activity is possible again after two weeks, but please avoid exerting yourself for the first six weeks (i.e. no red cheeks from effort). The same applies to the lifting of heavy objects.
Pain after surgery is rare. We give you painkillers. If pain persists you should contact the surgeon.
The answer will vary from case to case and will be discussed with you by the surgeon. Often we leave 2 weeks between the eyes.
The follow-up appointments are usually one and two days after the operation, followed by one week, one month and three months.
Due to the healing of the eye, it can take 12 weeks before vision has finished stabilising, at which point we can make a definitive spectacle prescription, but in many cases, it is possible to fit a provisional lens after about 1 week. In Switzerland, the post-surgery spectacle lenses are covered by the so-called “MIGEL list”.
All necessary eye drops are given to you after the operation. As a rule, eyedrop therapy lasts four weeks.
Low pain and mild nausea may occur after surgery. In case of severe pain, please contact the surgeon immediately. The emergency number will be communicated to you on the day of the operation.
Vision in the first few days after the operation may be impaired. This is usually not permanent. If any further action is required, the surgeon will discuss this with you directly.
