Facts about Multifocal Lenses
| Treatment Method: | minimally invasive lens implantation |
|---|---|
| Suitable For: | especially for age-related farsightedness, cataracts, diagnosis of individual suitability based on preliminary examination |
| Treatment Duration: | approx. 10–15 minutes per eye |
| Anesthesia: | locally anesthetic eye drops |
| Clinic Stay: | outpatient |
| Aftercare: | rest, no rubbing of the eyes, no hair washing or showering for 24 hours, no makeup in the first days after surgery, return to work possible after 2–4 days, sports possible again after 3–4 days, avoid hobbies with risk of infection for up to 2 weeks, driving only possible again after consultation |
Sharp vision both near and far
Multifocal lens replacement is primarily recommended when age-related farsightedness develops. This happens naturally to everyone. Over the course of life, our natural lens loses elasticity and thus the ability to focus on close objects. For example, reading becomes difficult, and initial vision problems while driving may also be noticeable.
A multifocal lens can also be implanted in cases of cataracts. If the lens replacement with the premium lens is done while the natural lens is still clear, cataracts will not develop later in life.
Multifocal Lens Treatment Procedure
The surgical procedure for implanting a multifocal lens is a routine operation, performed more than 700,000 times annually in German-speaking countries.
Many people do not want to give up their freedom from glasses despite presbyopia and therefore choose the small all-rounders inside the eye. Multifocal lenses help the eye to optimally refract light again in the near, far, and especially in the intermediate vision range.
This type of lens is the next generation and is exclusively used by us, as all older models cannot provide the same visual experience.
Nearsightedness up to -23 diopters.
Astigmatism up to 6 diopters.
Farsightedness up to +23 diopters.
The difference compared to ICL lens implants is that in a lens exchange using premium/trifocal/multifocal lenses, also called refractive lens exchange, the natural lens of the eye must be removed. This now routine procedure in German-speaking countries is performed through a small incision at the edge of the cornea. The natural lens is broken up using ultrasound waves and can be suctioned out through this access (also called phacoemulsification).
Your Benefits
- Fast and gentle
- Extensive experience
- Lifelong up to 90% glasses-free
- Treatment or prevention of cataracts
- Also possible with high refractive errors & astigmatism
Procedure for Treatment
with Multifocal Lenses
We take your needs seriously!
Our team is here to support you throughout the entire treatment process and takes care of you.
1
Preliminary Examination
Thorough preliminary examination
Every surgical treatment is preceded by a thorough preliminary examination. The physiology of the eye and the current refractive error are precisely examined. In a detailed consultation, we then inform you about all therapy options with their respective chances and risks in detail. We also address your individual wishes and needs.
To ensure precise preliminary examination results, please refrain from wearing contact lenses before the exam: soft lenses at least 7 days before, hard lenses for 3 weeks before the examination.
2
On the Day of Treatment
Preparation for the procedure
It is best to come accompanied to your scheduled appointment at our practice. Our team will welcome and prepare you. Your treating doctor will review all data and details with you once again, and your eyes will be routinely examined again.
In our practice’s treatment room, your eyes will be numbed with drops so that you feel no pain during the procedure. A speculum is used to hold the eyelids of the treated eye open, preventing the blink reflex from interrupting the treatment. Your other eye will be temporarily covered.
3
The Treatment
Optimizing your vision
During the operation, your surgeon uses a special microscope to perform minimally invasive work.
First, the surgeon makes a small cut about 2 mm at the edge of the cornea. The lens, liquefied by ultrasound, is suctioned out through this incision. Then, the new folded lens is inserted and positioned. The natural lens capsule remains intact and serves as a carrier for the new artificial lens. Once inside the eye, the lens unfolds by itself and is held in position by small haptics. It now fully replaces your natural lens and restores your ability to see clearly.
4
After the Procedure
Seeing clearly without glasses
The procedure is outpatient and usually takes no longer than 10–15 minutes per eye, meaning you can go home as soon as you feel well. We recommend that you are accompanied. It is normal if your eyes feel a bit irritated or if you sense the lens for a short time, but this usually subsides quickly.
At home, we recommend resting and avoiding activities for the rest of the day. After the check-up, we will discuss exactly what you need to do to ensure a quick and uncomplicated healing process. Please follow the prescribed instructions and any medication carefully.
You will usually notice the first improvement in visual acuity within one to two days. However, it may take several days to fully adjust to the new quality of vision.
It is important to rest your eyes after the procedure. Despite any irritation, do not rub your eyes. Avoid showering and washing your hair for the first 24 hours. Also, please avoid wearing makeup in the first days after surgery.
You can usually return to work after 2–4 days and resume physical exertion and sports after 3–4 days. Activities with infection risks, such as swimming or sauna, should be avoided for up to 2 weeks. Driving is possible again after consulting your ophthalmologist.
Possible Risks
As with any medical procedure, despite the highest standards, there is always a residual risk of complications. These can include infections, which are very rare thanks to antibiotic eye drops. Also, a secondary cataract (posterior capsule opacification) can develop, which in most cases can be treated with laser.
To minimize risks as much as possible, our practice focuses on a strong doctor-patient relationship, with ample time for preliminary and follow-up examinations, detailed explanations, and answering your questions.
Especially at night or in the dark, halo and glare effects may occur to some degree. These are described as light rings around light sources.
Frequently Asked Questions about Multifocal Lenses
What is a multifocal lens?
A multifocal lens allows, as the name suggests, the correction of multiple vision impairments with just one lens (e.g., farsightedness and presbyopia).
Who is a multifocal lens suitable for?
Multifocal lenses are suitable for people with nearsightedness and farsightedness and/or presbyopia (age-related farsightedness). Existing astigmatism can also be corrected by using a so-called toric multifocal lens.
What requirements must be met for the implantation of multifocal lenses?
To perform a lens surgery with multifocal lenses, there must be no serious eye disease present. During the preliminary examination, your eyes will be thoroughly examined using the latest diagnostic devices and a microscope to rule out any eye conditions.
How long does it take for the eye to get used to the multifocal lens?
For most patients, the adjustment period lasts about 1 to 3 months. The brain needs time to learn how to process the new visual input. This process is also referred to as neuroadaptation.
How long do multifocal lenses last?
Multifocal lenses can usually remain in the eye for a lifetime.
How high is the success rate with multifocal lenses?
After the implantation of multifocal lenses, over 90% of patients no longer need glasses at all.
Is the implantation of multifocal lenses painful?
Most patients experience no pain during or after the surgery.
What are the risks associated with multifocal lens implantation?
With the implantation of multifocal lenses, inflammation, infections, or retinal problems are considered very rare risks. More common (in about 1–5% of cases) are deviations from the desired diopter value, which can often be corrected with a simple laser procedure.
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