Cataract Surgery
What is a cataract?
A cataract refers to the progressive clouding of the crystalline lens, the natural lens located inside the eye. Over time, this lens becomes less transparent and allows light to pass through imperfectly, resulting in blurred, hazy, or less contrasted vision.
Cataracts are very common with aging but may also occur earlier in cases of trauma, certain systemic diseases, prolonged corticosteroid treatment, or genetic predisposition.
The only effective treatment for a significant cataract is surgery, which involves removing the clouded lens and replacing it with a clear intraocular implant.
Main symptoms that may indicate a cataract include:
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- Blurred or hazy vision, as if looking through a dirty window or fog
- Reduced distance or near vision despite appropriate correction
- Glare, halos around lights, and difficulty with night driving
- Loss of contrast, duller or yellowish colors
The decision to proceed with surgery does not depend solely on the appearance of the cataract, but primarily on the level of visual discomfort experienced in daily life.
Before surgery, a comprehensive preoperative assessment is performed in our clinic. This evaluation allows us to select the most suitable type of implant (monofocal, toric, multifocal) and to explain the expected visual outcome.
Intraocular implants: what are the options?
Several types of custom-calculated intraocular implants are available:
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- Monofocal implants are designed to provide clear vision mainly at one distance (either far or near). Additional glasses are required in most cases.
- Toric implants also correct astigmatism, thereby reducing dependence on glasses at a specific distance (far or near).
- Multifocal or EDOF (extended depth of focus) implants provide comfortable vision at multiple distances (far, intermediate, and sometimes near).
The choice of implant is always personalized, taking into account your expectations, lifestyle, and the overall health of your eyes.
How is cataract surgery performed?
Cataract surgery is now a short and standardized procedure:
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- It is performed on an outpatient basis, allowing you to return home the same day
- Under local anesthesia (eye drops or a small injection around the eye), sometimes combined with mild sedation
The procedure includes the following steps:
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- A small incision at the front of the eye
- Fragmentation and aspiration of the clouded lens (phacoemulsification)
- Implantation of the new intraocular lens into the capsular bag
The surgery usually lasts only a few minutes per eye. The eye is then protected, and eye drop treatment (antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medication, and artificial tears) is prescribed for several weeks.
Regular follow-up visits are scheduled to monitor healing and ensure the stability of the visual result.
Postoperative course and visual recovery
After cataract surgery, it is common to experience:
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- Blurred or slightly hazy vision during the first few days
- A foreign body sensation, mild stinging, or light sensitivity
- Gradual improvement in vision over days to weeks
Most patients notice a significant improvement in visual quality and color perception, often sharper and more vibrant than before surgery.
Possible risks and complications
Cataract surgery is a very common and generally safe procedure; however, like any surgical intervention, it carries rare risks:
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- Intraocular infection (endophthalmitis)
- Corneal or macular edema
- Hemorrhage or capsular tear
- Under- or over-correction, requiring optical adjustment or, rarely, additional surgery
- Secondary clouding of the posterior capsule, which may later require laser treatment (YAG capsulotomy)
All of these aspects are explained in detail during the consultation so that you can make an informed decision.
Considering cataract surgery?
If you are experiencing decreased vision, glare, or increasing difficulty with daily activities, a comprehensive eye examination can confirm the presence of a cataract and allow discussion of treatment options.
Consult our ophthalmology clinic for personalized advice on cataract surgery.
Book an appointment by phone at +41 (0) 22 346 26 78 or via our online booking system.
