Costs of an operation

In Germany, the standard operation is completely covered by the health insurance companies, whereby a foldable intraocular lens (IOL) is inserted into the eye. Additional options or alternative surgical methods are also available, which are associated with additional costs for the patient. For example, there is a choice of femto-cataract laser treatment for just under €1,000 per eye, in which the operation is performed using laser beams.

There are also various additional options that can be purchased to optimize the lens. These range from improved color vision to the replacement of glasses and cost between 1,000 – 2,000 €. Follow-up treatment for cataract surgery includes several follow-up examinations over the following three months. These are performed on an outpatient basis by registered ophthalmologists and are billed through their practices. In total, the costs for this are expected to be between 150 and 200 €.

Operation on both eyes simultaneously

If both eyes are affected by cataracts, surgery is generally started on the eye that is worse affected. Aftercare then lasts for several weeks and after about six to eight weeks, the treated eye can be said to have healed. The operation on the second eye can in principle take place a few days after the first operation.

However, there is a recommendation to plan the operations at least one week to one month apart. This makes it possible to observe possible complications after the first operation, in order to take them into account for the second operation and to counteract them prophylactically if necessary. However, if the decision is made to use multifocal lenses, the second operation should take place in less than a week.

This is to avoid that the difference between the two eyes becomes too big and that the adaptation to the new visual conditions can take place without complications. After the procedure, the treated eye is covered with a slightly thicker ointment dressing and the patient remains in the observation room for a certain period of time to ensure that his or her circulation is stable and no other side effects occur.If this is the case, he can be discharged home after just a few hours, but should of course come back for regular check-ups. Immediately after the cataract surgery it is not possible to drive a car, but on the day of the surgery the patient may eat and drink as usual and medication can be taken as usual (the doctor should be informed about the medication and its dosage, however).

For diabetics and patients on high blood pressure medication, the topic of medication should be discussed before the operation. As long as the ointment dressing is on the eye and the eye is not completely healed, one should be careful when washing and showering and make sure that the area does not come into contact with soap. Sporting activities, such as swimming, should also be paused and physical exertion that makes you sweat more should be avoided. The eye should also be protected from dust. The