Facts about Intraocular Lenses
| Treatment Method: | minimally invasive lens implantation |
|---|---|
| Suitable For: | vision impairment; individual suitability determined by preliminary examination |
| Treatment Duration: | approx. 10-15 minutes per eye |
| Anesthesia: | local anesthetic eye drops |
| Clinic Stay: | outpatient |
| Aftercare: | protect eyes from any contamination (water, sweat, etc.) for at least 1 week |
A reversible procedure that preserves the natural stability of the cornea.
This uncomplicated surgical treatment has long been proven and is performed in our clinics exclusively with a gentle, minimally invasive approach.
With an ICL lens, a visual aid is added to the eye without damaging the natural lens. The high-tech lens is implanted between the iris and the natural lens and is precisely adapted to your vision impairment.
Intraocular Lens Treatment Process
We use the most advanced lens implants currently available, the EVO Visian ICL™ from STAAR Surgical, made from a natural collamer material. This means the lens is not perceived as a foreign object—intolerance is ruled out. The integrated UV blocker maintains the natural chemistry of the eye.
Nearsightedness up to -18 diopters
Astigmatism up to +/-6 diopters
Farsightedness up to +10 diopters
Your benefits:
- reversible
- fast healing
- gentle, minimally invasive
- very well-tolerated material
- corneal stability is preserved
- natural tear flow is maintained
- good alternative to laser eye procedures
- suitable for high refractive errors, thin corneas, or dry eyes
Phakic intraocular lens (Phakic IOL)
An artificial lens is implanted into the eye in addition to the natural lens.
Procedure of an ICL Implantation
We take your needs seriously!
Our team is by your side throughout the entire treatment process and takes care of you.
1
Preliminary Examination
Thorough Assessment
Every surgical treatment is preceded by a thorough preliminary examination. During this process, the physiology of the eye and the current refractive error are carefully analyzed. In a detailed consultation, we will inform you about all available treatment options, including their individual risks and benefits. We also take your personal needs and expectations into careful consideration.
Please refrain from wearing contact lenses before your preliminary examination: discontinue soft lenses at least 7 days prior and hard lenses at least 3 weeks beforehand.
2
On the Day of Treatment
Preparation for the Procedure
On the day of your treatment, we kindly ask you to come without driving and preferably accompanied by someone you trust. Our team will welcome you at the agreed time in our clinic. Preparation for the procedure does not take long, and afterwards, your treating physician will review all the details with you again. Your eyes will also be thoroughly examined one more time.
Feeling a bit nervous is completely normal, but we are here to support you every step of the way. If necessary, and after consultation, we are happy to offer a mild sedative to help you relax.
3
The Procedure
Vision Optimization
In our in-house surgical room, the eye is first numbed with anesthetic drops. As a result, you will feel very little during the procedure. A small device is used to gently hold the eyelid open. Your other eye will be covered during this time.
A precise 2 mm incision is made at the edge of the cornea. Through this small opening, the lens is carefully positioned inside the eye to correct the refractive error of your natural lens. Once the first eye is treated, the second eye can be operated on immediately afterward.
This minimally invasive method takes only 10–15 minutes per eye, and most patients notice improved vision as early as the next day.
4
After the Procedure
Seeing Anew Without Glasses
Please have a trusted person accompany you home, as you will not be allowed to drive yourself.
The implanted lenses may feel like a foreign object for a few days, but this sensation typically subsides quickly. It is important to give your eyes ample rest after the procedure. Avoid rubbing your eyes, and we recommend wearing sunglasses to prevent irritation. For the first 24 hours, avoid showering or washing your hair. We advise taking it easy on the day of the surgery; by the next day, light household activities are usually possible. Returning to work is generally recommended after 2–3 days. Activities with a high risk of infection should be avoided for several weeks. Naturally, you will receive detailed instructions and tips from us to ensure optimal healing.
Possible Risks
Every surgical procedure carries some risk. However, due to our high level of expertise, ongoing professional development, and many years of experience, these risks are minimized to an extremely low level.
In very rare cases, an infection may occur, which may require antibiotic treatment.
In a very small number of lens implant cases, changes within the eye may occur after surgery, sometimes requiring removal of the implant. However, regular check-ups every 1–2 years can usually prevent such complications entirely.
Extremely rare risks include the development of cataracts or damage to the cornea.
Vision in Old Age
Clear and comfortable vision is not something to be taken for granted.
For quite some time, the demographic shift in our society has been a polarizing topic, requiring a new focus in many areas. Ophthalmology, in particular, is becoming increasingly important in light of this development, as aging is almost always accompanied by a decline in visual acuity.
Need for Action
Age-related conditions such as presbyopia or cataracts are just two major areas that require growing attention from ophthalmologists and pose immediate challenges for ophthalmic research.
We therefore consider it one of our core responsibilities to address age-related visual impairments both scientifically and in a practice-oriented way. The development of the latest treatment methods is part of our ongoing research efforts and highlights our commitment to being your trusted partner in this field for the long term.
We take on this challenge with passion and experience and are happy to provide information on innovative techniques and tailored treatment options.
High-Tech for Your Eyes
With state-of-the-art premium lenses, expertise, and extensive experience, we can help even those with severe visual impairments or age-related farsightedness.
Frequently Asked Questions about Intraocular Lenses
What are phakic intraocular lenses?
Intraocular lenses are artificial lenses implanted in the eye to correct vision. They are commonly referred to as implantable contact lenses or ICLs. The lens is customized to your refractive error and then placed between the iris and the eye’s natural lens.
Who are phakic intraocular lenses suitable for?
Phakic intraocular lenses are ideal for individuals with very high refractive errors or corneas that are too thin. These patients are not suitable candidates for laser eye surgery, but thanks to advanced lens technology, they can still achieve a life without glasses.
We would be happy to provide you with personal advice at our clinics in Linz and Vienna to determine whether phakic intraocular lenses are a suitable option in your individual case.
Which vision impairments can intraocular lenses correct?
ICL lens implantation can correct nearsightedness up to -18 diopters, astigmatism up to +/-6 diopters, and farsightedness up to +10 diopters.
What should I keep in mind after the implantation of ICL lenses?
After the treatment, you should have someone accompany you home, as you are not allowed to drive. In the first few days after the surgery, you should rest your eyes. We recommend the following measures:
- Do not rub your eyes.
- Do not shower or wash your hair within the first 24 hours.
- Rest at home for 2–3 days and avoid going to work.
- Avoid hobbies with a risk of infection (e.g., swimming, sauna) for at least 1 week.
Of course, we will personally advise you on aftercare and provide you with detailed guidance.
How long do ICL lenses last?
ICL lenses generally last a lifetime. If presbyopia (age-related farsightedness) or cataracts develop significantly, they can be removed and replaced with new lenses.
When can I drive again after ICL lens implantation?
At the follow-up examination, we will inform you whether you are allowed to drive again or if you should wait a bit longer. Usually, driving is possible already after the first check-up (2–3 days after the operation).
Can you feel the ICL lens in your eye?
You do not feel or see the ICL lens. The ICL lens is made of natural Collamer, which is biocompatible and does not react inside the eye. Therefore, it is not perceived by the eye as a foreign object.
CONTACT
Ophthalmology Clinic Linz
Weissenwolffstraße 13, 3rd Floor
4020 Linz
Office Hours
Phone Consultation Hours
MON, WED, THU 09:00 AM – 6:00 PM
TUE 09:00 AM - 4:00 PM
FRI 09:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Appointment Days
By appointment only
Ophthalmology Clinic Wien
Habsburgergasse 10, 4th Floor
1010 Wien