Cataract

A cataract is a clouding of the lens and can be easily recognized in patients because the lens appears somewhat gray, almost foggy. This is also where the German name “Grauer Star” (meaning “Gray Star”) comes from. The term cataract means “waterfall” or “a rapid blocked by rocks.”

Cataracts have been known and even treated since ancient times. In the Middle Ages, there were so-called "couchers" — scholars who used sharp instruments to push the clouded lens downward. This temporarily relieved the cataract, but the procedure left patients without a lens and thus severely visually impaired. Often, the lens would also slip back into place, meaning the cataract was not actually treated.

Nowadays, cataracts are well treatable. In most cases, the therapy involves replacing the eye’s natural lens with a new artificial lens. This procedure is now well established and achieves excellent results for patients. Often, with the implantation of special lenses during such a treatment, complete freedom from glasses can even be achieved.

We definitely recommend consulting your ophthalmologist at the first symptoms to obtain a reliable diagnosis.

Cataracts are a clouding of the lens. This occurs because the proteins in the lens, for reasons not yet fully understood, form crystals. Besides genetic predisposition, the natural aging process is also considered a cause of cataracts. It is believed that as we age, the lens receives fewer nutrients. The use of certain medications, eye injuries or diseases, UV radiation, existing diabetes, or exposure to glowing hot materials (e.g., glassblowers) are also known triggers for cataracts.

Cataracts usually present as reduced vision, particularly in low-contrast environments, fading colors, and blurry vision where the world appears as if seen through a veil. If you experience these symptoms, you should consult an eye doctor as soon as possible.

Cataracts should be treated surgically when the clouding of the lens leads to a significant impairment in vision. Since the procedure places only minimal strain on the body, there is no age limit for the surgery.

With cataracts, the loss of color vision gradually worsens over time. Visual acuity typically continues to decline as well. In severe cases, untreated cataracts can eventually lead to blindness.

To correct more severe nearsightedness or farsightedness, so-called monofocal intraocular lenses are often suitable. If you want to achieve good vision at both near and far distances, multifocal intraocular lenses can offer a good solution. In addition to treating cataracts, multifocal lenses are also effective for correcting high refractive errors and astigmatism.

We will be happy to provide you with personal advice on the most suitable lenses for your individual case at our clinics in Linz and Vienna.

On the first day after the operation, vision is already noticeably clearer. In the following days, it continues to improve gradually. The healing process is usually fully completed after about 4 to 6 weeks. By then, the eye has adapted to the new lens.

With multifocal intraocular lenses, it can sometimes take several months for the brain to fully adjust to the special optics of this lens type (a process known as neuroadaptation).

The cost of cataract surgery depends on the type of lens selected and the complexity of the treatment. However, statutory health insurance usually covers the cost of cataract surgery with standard lenses.

During a personal consultation, we will be happy to provide you with a detailed cost estimate tailored to your individual treatment.

After cataract surgery, around 20 to 30 percent of patients may develop what is known as a "secondary cataract" — a clouding of the remaining back part of the lens capsule. However, this can be quickly and easily treated with a simple laser procedure that restores clear vision within moments.