Cataract Surgery

The chance to choose your view of the world is an amazing bonus.

Cataracts are an eye condition in which the clear human lens becomes cloudy. This cloudiness prevents light rays from passing through to the retina, making a person feel as if they are looking through fog. It is a common eye disease that complicates the lives of many people, yet it can be easily resolved.

The incidence of cataracts increases with age, mostly affecting people between the ages of 60 and 75. By far the most common cause of cataracts is the aging of the lens due to changes in its composition and size. Symptoms include blurred, impaired, and distorted vision both near and far, as well as sensitivity to light.

Treatment of cataracts

Cataracts can only be removed through surgery, and there is no other method of treatment.

Cataract surgery, including the standard intraocular lens, is fully covered by all health insurance companies.

"The surgery is completely painless, and thanks to modern medicine and the latest technologies, it is currently one of the safest surgeries, requiring practically no significant restrictions for the patient either before or after the procedure," explains MUDr. Radan Zugar, head physician of the Eye Centre Prague.

During the surgery, the eye surgeon replaces the clouded lens with an artificial lens. It is performed on an outpatient basis, the procedure itself takes only fifteen minutes and is completely painless. 

Surgery should not be unnecessarily delayed

The patient should undergo surgery when the cataract begins to interfere with their daily life. This is important not only for quality of life but also because the more mature (older) the cataract is, the more affected and harder the lens becomes, making it more difficult to remove. The surgery then becomes more challenging and may carry more risks.

Cataract surgery significantly improves patients' quality of life. By allowing them to see the world clearly and sharply again, it brings substantial positive changes to their daily lives and overall quality of life.

How the patient will see after the surgery

Most patients are thrilled with their new vision. They can once again enjoy a bright and colorful world that, before the surgery, appeared blurry and gray. Thanks to the new intraocular lens, they become free from the need for glasses for one distance, and patients with multifocal or trifocal intraocular lenses no longer need glasses at all.

You can read more patient experiences in the section 'Our Satisfied Patients´.

Cataract surgery at the Eye Centre Prague

At the Eye Centre Prague, we specialize in cataract surgeries and have extensive experience with this condition.

• It is fully covered by all health insurance companies. We have contracts with all health insurance providers.
• We have performed more than 100,000 surgeries, demonstrating our experience and the immense trust of our patients.
• High-quality surgeries guaranteed by excellent surgeons.
• The most modern surgical technologies.
• A wide range of high-quality intraocular lenses (trifocal, multifocal, EDOF, aspheric, toric, and custom-made intraocular lenses).
• A professional yet compassionate approach from the entire staff to each patient.
• A modern and comfortable clinic environment.
• Excellent transport accessibility (metro, tram, bus, train, and car).

Selection of intraocular lenses

During surgery, the natural lens of the eye is replaced with an artificial lens. The intraocular lens remains in the eye for life and is not replaced, giving the patient a unique opportunity to choose how they will see the world after the surgery. At the Eye Centre Prague, we offer high-quality intraocular lenses from the world's leading manufacturers such as Zeiss, Alcon, and others.

Monofocal lenses, which improve vision at one distance chosen by the patient—either near or far—are covered by public health insurance. However, the patient will still need glasses for the opposite distance.

As part of premium cataract treatment, patients can choose special lenses and permanently set aside their glasses. The options include:

• Multifocal intraocular lenses, which allow the patient to see clearly both near and far, completely eliminating the need for glasses.
• Trifocal lenses, which, in addition to near and far vision, also provide clear vision at intermediate distances.
• Aspheric lenses, which offer better vision in low-light conditions.
• Toric lenses, which correct astigmatism.

Cataract surgery

Preoperative examination

Although your cataract was diagnosed by your ophthalmologist, it is necessary for you to undergo a comprehensive examination with us at the Eye Centre Prague before the surgery. A detailed examination of your vision ensures the best possible result.

The preoperative eye examination lasts approximately 1.5 hours. During the examination, we will review your medical history, assess your current eye condition, check for refractive errors, measure intraocular pressure, and perform an eye examination including a dilated eye exam. At the end of the examination, the doctor will explain the surgical procedure in detail and recommend the most appropriate surgical solution and type of intraocular lens. Please bring your glasses and a list of any medications you are taking. A referral from your ophthalmologist is not required. After the examination, you will not be able to drive for several hours.

The cataract surgery itself

There is no need to fear cataract surgery. It is completely painless and performed under local anesthesia using drops.

The total time for preoperative preparation and the surgical procedure is around 1.5 hours, with the actual procedure in the operating room lasting approximately 15 minutes.

Your eyelids will be held in the correct position by a special holder to prevent blinking, so you don't need to worry about affecting the surgery by blinking. During the procedure, the eye surgeon will remove your cataract-affected lens and replace it with an artificial one. Surgery on the second eye is usually performed a week later, but we also offer the option to operate on both eyes at the same time, depending on the doctor’s recommendation following the preoperative examination.

Throughout the preparation and the surgery itself, the medical staff will do everything possible to ensure you feel safe and comfortable.

Postoperative check-up

After the surgery, our receptionist will schedule a postoperative check-up, which must be attended within three days of the procedure—either at our Eye Centre Prague or with your ophthalmologist.

Post-operative recommendations

After surgery, use eye drops as recommended by your doctor and keep your follow-up appointments. The eye heals for approximately one month after the procedure.

During this time, we recommend:

• Avoid touching or rubbing your eye; protect it from injury.
• Do not engage in physically demanding work, lift heavy objects, bend suddenly, or remain bent over for extended periods.
• Avoid smoky and dusty environments.
• Do not swim in pools or natural bodies of water, go to saunas or tanning beds, and do not use cosmetics.

We recommend driving only after the second eye surgery.

Vision stabilizes within four weeks. If you need glasses, it is advisable to have them prescribed only after this period.

Cost of the procedure

Cataract surgery is fully covered by health insurance. All information, including options for intraocular lenses, will be provided by the doctor during the pre-operative examination. More details can be found in the complete price list.

Location

You will undergo cataract surgery at our Eye Centre in Prague. We are located in Holešovice, Prague 7 - Port7 / Nádraží Holešovice, Holešovice 1637 (just behind the Prague-Holešovice train station).