Cataract surgery
Cataract surgery by Augenzentrum Angermann - cataract surgery performed safely by our trained experts
What is cataract?
If the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, this is called cataract. As a result, visual acuity decreases and those affected only have blurred vision. This is because clouded lenses no longer allow light to pass through unhindered and also scatter it.
In addition to blurred vision, glare can also occur.
When should I have cataract surgery?
As an ophthalmologist, we generally recommend having cataract surgery when vision is only less than 70 %. We can easily determine this value during an examination.
Even if you feel restricted in your everyday life, a surgical procedure makes sense.
There is currently no other form of treatment. However, the operation can be performed at any age, as it is a gentle and low-risk method.
The important thing is: The more advanced cataracts are, the harder the lens in the eye becomes. This makes surgery more risky. For this reason, surgery should be performed at the latest when vision reaches 70 %.
Would you like to know whether you have cataracts or whether they need to be treated? Make an appointment at our eye center!
Procedure of the operation
We perform cataract surgery in cooperation with the Evangelical Hospital Vienna (1180), where our doctors operate. The entire planning and preparation takes place directly at our eye center - we discuss the options with you quickly, personally and in a well-coordinated manner and whether special lenses (e.g. multifocal lenses, toric lenses, etc.) are suitable for you.
For patients with supplementary insurance, BVA insurance or as self-payers, we take care of the entire organization. The process is particularly simple for those with BVA insurance: the service is billed directly through us, with only a deductible for the hospital. There are no further costs for you.
Preliminary examination
You will be given an appointment for a preliminary examination approximately one week before the cataract operation. This serves to simplify the procedure on the day of the actual operation.
This is how the treatment works during the preliminary examination:
- Pupils are dilated with eye drops
- We examine and measure your eyes
- The required strength of your artificial lens is calculated
The appointment lasts approx. 3 - 4 hours.
Important: You are not allowed to drive on the day of the preliminary examination!
Preliminary examination
You will be given an appointment for a preliminary examination approximately one month before the cataract operation. This serves to simplify the procedure on the day of the actual operation. The appointment lasts approx. 40-60 minutes.
This is how the treatment works during the preliminary examination:
- Pupils are dilated with eye drops
- We examine and measure your eyes
- The required strength of your artificial lens is calculated
Important:
You are not allowed to drive on the day of the preliminary examination!
The cataract operation itself usually takes between 15 and 20 minutes.
After the operation
Following the cataract operation, you will be given an eye patch or an eye bandage, which you can remove after about 4 hours.
We will also prescribe eye drops for you to take for four weeks. These serve to support the healing process.
One day after the procedure, you will come to our eye center for a check-up. There - and at a further appointment - we will check the healing process.
Don't worry: Most patients are and remain pain-free during the healing process. A slight foreign body sensation is normal.
After approx. 6 - 8 weeks your eye will have healed.
Two days after the procedure you will come for a check-up ...
If glasses are required, they can be measured and prescribed approximately 6 weeks after the operation.
What is the result after the operation?
Immediately after the treatment or operation, your vision will be slightly worse as your eye and brain first have to get used to the artificial lenses. However, the quality of vision will improve from day to day.
As a rule, you will achieve optimum vision quality approximately four weeks after the procedure.
Overall, we can say from our experience: after cataract surgery, 90 % of patients see even better than before. Even if they had previously been ametropic, glasses are often no longer necessary after the operation. However, this depends on the type of lens used.
We will be happy to advise you individually and provide you with detailed information.
What can I do after cataract surgery?
If you have cataract surgery, you will only have to restrict your everyday life for a relatively short time:
Immediately possible
Showering, light housework, walks
After 2 days
Reading, working on the PC, writing
After 2 - 3 days
Wash hair
After 7 days
Light sport
After approx. 10 days
Using mascara
After 14 days
Going swimming, driving, strenuous sports
It is important that you take care not to exert any pressure on the eye during the healing phase (e.g. by rubbing the eye).
Do you have any questions, need further information or would like to make an appointment for treatment? As an ophthalmologist, we are here for you!
Cataract surgery - who bears the costs?
If a standard lens is fitted, the health insurance company will cover the full cost of cataract surgery in hospital. However, if you opt for a higher-quality lens or an extended eye measurement, you will have to pay for these additional services yourself.
Do you have a Inpatient supplementary insurancethe costs of the operation - including the special lens and measurement - are usually covered.
BVA insured persons only pay a day-care deductible, which is invoiced directly by the hospital. Depending on the type of lens, the other costs are covered in full or in part.
Of course, it is also possible to have the operation as Self-payer to have the operation performed. In this case, you will receive a total invoice for all surgical services including the day hospital stay.
Which lenses are available?
A basic distinction is made between different types of lenses, which are selected individually depending on visual needs and eye condition:
Monofocal lenses
These lenses are still the standard for cataract surgery. They enable sharp vision at one distance - either near or far. Glasses are still required for the other distance, e.g. reading glasses or glasses for distance vision.
Multifocal lenses
Multifocal lenses offer several focal points and enable sharp vision both near and far. In many cases, glasses can be largely dispensed with after the operation. They are particularly suitable for people who want to be as independent as possible from visual aids in everyday life.
Toric lenses
These special lenses are used if astigmatism is also present. In addition to the lens opacity, they also correct this visual defect, which significantly improves the quality of vision. Toric lenses are available in both monofocal and multifocal versions.
EDOF lenses (Extended Depth of Focus)
These modern lenses extend the focus range and offer very good vision in the intermediate range - ideal for computer work, for example. They are an alternative to multifocal lenses and can be associated with less light scattering.
The right lens is selected on an individual basis - depending on your visual habits, professional requirements and medical conditions. We will advise you in detail during the preliminary examination for cataracts. Choosing the right lens requires experience and careful consideration of various factors. Standard lenses are generally used in public hospitals, which means that customized solutions may only be possible to a limited extent.
As the choice of lens always depends on the individual situation (astigmatism, presbyopia, certain eye diseases, personal wishes and requirements), it is advisable to seek more detailed advice before the operation.
As an ophthalmologist, we are happy to discuss your individual situation and work with you to find the right artificial lens.
From risk to routine - facts about cataract surgery
Many patients think a lot before having cataract surgery.
We have therefore compiled some more information and facts for you here:
- Routine
The treatment of cataracts is a routine procedure (the most common operation in ophthalmology).
- Risk
This treatment is one of the safest in ophthalmology. The operation is performed without complications in approx. 97 - 99 %.
- Healing
The healing process usually goes well and without complications.
What complications are possible?
Even though the surgical treatment of cataracts is usually carried out without complications, we would still like to inform you about possible side effects.
Injuries, swelling, bleeding or inflammation in the eye area can occur. Wound healing disorders, a displacement of the lens or retinal detachment are also possible consequences.
Problems can also occur during cataract surgery. These are usually injuries to the lens capsule, the eyeball or the iris.
However, all of these complications generally only occur very rarely. Patients' pre-existing eye conditions also determine how high the risk is.
We will be happy to advise you on all the details of the operation at a personal appointment. We will give you all the information you need about the procedure, risks and the healing phase. Simply contact us or find your preferred date online!
Cataract surgery at the Angermann Eye Center
At our eye center, we offer you a wide range of services that exceeds those of many ophthalmologists in private practice.
This is because we can perform laser therapies and operations directly at our center - including cataract surgery.
This means you have your regular ophthalmologist and your specialist for operations in one place.
We have in-depth training, state-of-the-art equipment and a friendly, professionally trained and dedicated team. This ensures that your concerns can be correctly assessed when you call and that emergencies are not overlooked.
What sets us apart
Quick appointments
Our team will ensure that you get an appointment for your cataract surgery quickly & that your waiting times are short.
Expertise
At our eye center, you benefit from an above-average level of expertise and a wealth of experience in the field of cataracts.
On-site advice
We will provide you with medical information about the procedure and you will receive a cost calculation. The operation itself will take place at the Evangelisches Krankenhaus Wien.
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