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FAQ Cataract Surgery

General

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.

Prior to surgery

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.

After surgery

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.

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Augeninstitut ELZA
4.8
Based on 109 reviews
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mike
mike
09:02 04 Jan 23
Overall as a 50 year old, who wanted to continue to avoid wearing glasses and/or contact lenses, my goal was 100%... achieved with ELZA and Dr. Hafezi. I greatly appreciated the overall approach by Dr. Hafezi and his friendly and competent team in reviewing my vision at the start and following a comprehensive eye exam- the explanations of my options. For me I chose PRK in one eye for a monovision solution to correct short sightedness which was becoming more prevalent in night driving and sports such as skiing and cycling. PRK heals slowly but the outcome is worth the wait- and the cost- you use your eyes every waking moment- and for me I cannot see any reason not to pursue better vision with the ELZA team! A great quality of life enhancement!read more
Zuzana Fecko
Zuzana Fecko
21:48 31 Oct 22
Thank you so much, Dr. Torres and prof. Hafezi. 26 years I was only “dreaming” about the eye surgery due to possible... complications. I was worried ..Thank you for encouraging me to make a decision and thank you for your professionalism, explanations and great work!I wish you all the best, lots of success and only happy patients!read more
Serena Fazio
Serena Fazio
11:15 06 Mar 22
I have been to the ELZA clinic to have surgery for my miopy, as my eyes were rejecting the contacts and I was tired of... wearing glasses. From the first preliminary visit, to the actual surgery and post-surgery care Dr. Hafezi and all his collaborators have been extremely professional, considerate and helpful. All the steps of the (very short!) surgery were thoroughly explained to me in order to be as calm as possible, together with the medication plan and precautions to be aware of so that my eyes could heal in the best way possible. By following their exact instructions, the healing process has been very successful and smooth, and after about one week I was able to see perfectly. I absolutely recommend this team and their expertise!read more
Robin A
Robin A
11:43 16 Feb 22
Top experts and professional team. Highly recommended
Thunder Shiviah
Thunder Shiviah
14:05 23 Nov 21
After some research on local options I decided to go with ELZA since it stood out as the best. The operation and the... post-operation recovery went extremely smooth (something I was worried about with PRK). Now my vision is much better than I had hoped and I have no side effects such as dry eye or night vision problems. Thank you!read more
Thomas S.
Thomas S.
09:37 07 Jul 21
My left eye had to be operated on because of a cataract. As I had an Artiflex lens implanted a few years ago, it had to... be removed first before a modern lens could be implanted to correct the cataract. Prof. Hafezi treated me in an very competent and friendly manner. I am very happy with the result.read more
Selma A. Rahim
Selma A. Rahim
19:45 02 Jul 21
Dr. Hafezi.. the KING OF CXL🤴
Gianluca Ricci
Gianluca Ricci
12:46 10 Apr 21
Great team and service!
rehaneyecare
rehaneyecare
05:36 08 Apr 21
Excellent surgeon
Steven H.A
Steven H.A
16:13 11 Jan 21
Prof. F. Hafezi s expertise is enormous and he has a very pleasant and calm nature which gives the patient... security.Thank youread more
Online Commande
Online Commande
09:19 05 Dec 20
Totally creepy, very arrogant Prof.He just want your money.It may explain, why this Prof. is not in the center of the... city of Zürich and why he has been thrown away from University of Geneva.read more
Elena Churilova
Elena Churilova
10:06 17 Nov 20
At the moment, 3 months have passed since the moment I made laser vision correction in this clinic. and I can say that... I am happy that I chose this particular clinic and Prof. F. Hafezi. The entire staff of the clinic is very friendly, treats patients with sympathy and patience if they are nervous before surgery (my big gratitude to Aida Alili for all support and patience). The doctor Hafezi and other doctors of the clinic are very professional and ready to explain to you as many times as you need. I can only recommend!read more
Michele Aggiato
Michele Aggiato
18:17 10 Jan 20
The day I had Prof Hafezi checking my keratoconus I knew I was finally in the right place after years of searching for... a good ophthalmologist. Prof Hafezi recommended a surgery due to a drastic degeneration of my cornea. The surgery was performed by himself with the assistance of Dr Rodriguez, one more collaborator of Prof Hafezi’s team who got my full trust.read more
Ashley Faulkes
Ashley Faulkes
15:30 21 Mar 16
Professor Hafezi and the team at the ELZA Institute have done an amazing job of creating a first class eye clinic, with... cutting edge technology and support. I went there for a dry eye issue and other issues with my prescription, and they were easily able to help me and put me on the road to better vision! High recommend them to anyone in the Zurich/Aargau area.read more
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Augeninstitut ELZA
4.8
Based on 109 reviews
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