Preparation
Good preparation is important for a safe and successful lens replacement treatment. Follow the instructions below carefully.
Contact Lenses
- Soft lenses: Do not wear for at least 3 days before treatment.
- Hard lenses: Do not wear for at least 3 days before treatment.
- Night lenses: Do not wear for at least 6 weeks before treatment.
Preliminary Care
- Use omega 3-6-9 (fish) oil for a more stable tear film (250mg, once a day, 2 weeks before treatment and up to 6 months after treatment).
- Do not wear eye makeup on the day of treatment.
- Remove eye makeup one day before and cleanse your eyelids thoroughly.
- Tinting or applying false eyelashes? Plan this at least 1 week, preferably 2 weeks, before treatment.
On the Day of Treatment
- Come to the clinic well rested.
- You may eat and drink normally before and after treatment.
- Do not use perfume, aftershave, or day cream.
- Wear comfortable clothing, preferably without wool or loose fibers.
- The treatment room is approximately 18°C. Please keep this in mind.
What to bring
- Sunglasses. You may be sensitive to light after the treatment. Sunglasses protect against UVA/UVB rays and prevent dirt from entering your eyes.
- Read the informed consent (treatment agreement) carefully. You will sign this form at the reception desk on the day of the treatment.
- Guardian (you cannot go home independently after the treatment)
A lens replacement is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia. We usually treat both eyes, and in some cases, the ophthalmologist chooses to treat one eye at a time. Below, you can read exactly what to expect.
Step 1 – Preparation outside the operating room
Before entering the operating room, the assistant or ophthalmologist will give you anesthetic eye drops and pupil dilation drops. You will also be asked if you would like a sedative. This is optional.
The assistant will then fit you with a gown, cap, and overshoes.
Step 2 – Anesthesia in the operating room
In the operating room, you will receive another anesthetic drop to completely numb your eye.
Step 3 – Cleaning and Draping
You will be seated on a comfortable, flat chair. The skin around your eye will be thoroughly cleaned, after which a sterile drape will be placed over your face.
Step 4 – Removal of the natural lens
The ophthalmologist will insert an eyelid retractor to prevent you from blinking. The doctor will then make a small incision (approximately 2.5 mm) at the edge of the cornea. A special gel will be inserted into the anterior chamber through this incision. The natural lens will then be safely removed.
Step 5 – Insertion of the implant lens
The artificial lens is rolled up in a small holder (cartridge) and inserted through the same incision. Inside the eye, the lens unfolds slowly and fits precisely into the capsular bag.
Once the lens is stable, the remaining gel will be removed. This completes the procedure. No stitches are required.
Step 6 – Aftercare immediately after the procedure
You will be taken to a separate recovery room where you can recover.
Step 7 – Explanation and protection
Our staff will provide you with clear instructions about the eye drops and medication, the drop schedule, and the first 24 hours after the procedure.
How long does the procedure take?
The actual procedure takes approximately 30 minutes.
You will be at the clinic for a total of 3,5 to 4 hours.
Please note:
A final suitability check will be conducted on the day of the treatment. Therefore, the treatment may be canceled, modified, or rescheduled if it proves unsuitable for your situation or if the equipment does not meet quality standards. Visus Eye Clinic strives to minimize such situations.
Post-Treatment Instructions
You don't necessarily need to keep your eyes closed after the treatment, but if it feels comfortable, you can.
In the first few hours, your eyes may water and you may experience a burning sensation, a mild headache, or the sensation of having a grain of sand in your eyes. Sometimes it's difficult to keep your eyes open. These are normal reactions and usually disappear within about 4 hours. If you need pain relief, you can use paracetamol.
Please note that your vision may fluctuate in the first few days; this doesn't necessarily predict the final result.
Showering & Hygiene
- Do not shower for the first 24 hours (your head and hair must remain dry).
- You may shower again in the following days, but make sure no water gets into your eyes.
Careful with your eyes
- Do not rub your eyes for at least 2 weeks.
- Afterward, be careful and avoid vigorous rubbing.
- Wear night goggles, provided by the clinic, for at least 2 weeks.
- Avoid smoky and dusty areas for the first two weeks.
- Wear sunglasses outdoors for two weeks after treatment.
Bending, Lifting & Exerting Pressure
- Do not bend, lift, or strain for the first two weeks.
Screen Use
- Limit screen time during the first week after treatment. Take regular screen breaks and consciously blink frequently.
Makeup
- After one week: Regular makeup is permitted again.
- After two weeks: Waterproof makeup is permitted again.
- Remain cautious during the initial period: mascara and eye shadow should be removed without rubbing too vigorously.
- f your eyes are dry or irritated, postpone the application of makeup.
Sports & Exercise
- No strength training during the first two weeks.
- Do not swim in pools or seawater during the first two weeks.
- No tanning beds during the first month. Always protect your eyes with special goggles afterward.
- Ball and contact sports can be resumed after two weeks.
- Martial arts are only permitted after 3 months due to the risk of a blow to the eye.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the clinic at 0800 0088.
You'll usually achieve the desired results from your lens replacement within a few weeks. In the intervening period, you can usually quickly resume your daily activities.
When a trifocal or multifocal lens has been fitted, your vision often needs some time to adjust. You may be given exercises to help your brain process the different focal points smoothly. A positive attitude and the confidence that your vision will gradually improve will support a pleasant and predictable adjustment process.
Discharge letter for your GP
After treatment, you will receive a discharge letter for your GP, along with your medication. Please give this to your GP at your next appointment so that your GP is well-informed about the treatment performed.
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Medication
After the treatment, you will use eye drops to support corneal healing. We will provide you with the necessary medications prescribed by your ophthalmologist. The clinic's pharmacy will then bill your health insurer for these.
If you need a repeat prescription later, you can easily request one via Repeat Prescription.
Nevanac (NSAID - anti-inflammatory)
Nevanac is an anti-inflammatory eye drop without steroids. The drop reduces swelling, redness, and pain and helps suppress inflammatory reactions after treatment.
Use after treatment
- 1 drop per eye once daily for 4 weeks
Good to know
- Always wash your hands before administering the drops
- Do not touch the eye with the tip of the bottle
- Allow at least 5 minutes between eye drops
- Limited shelf life after opening (see packaging)
Possible side effects
- Mild burning sensation after administering the drops
- Temporary blurred vision
- Rarely: stinging or stinging sensation
Dexmono (Steroidal anti-inflammatory)
Dexmono is a corticosteroid eye drop used to prevent and treat inflammatory reactions after lens replacement surgery. The drops help reduce swelling, redness, and irritation and contribute to a calm and healthy recovery of the eye.
Use after treatment
- You start using Dexmono on day 1 after treatment. The drops are used according to a weekly tapering schedule. It is important that you follow this schedule carefully and distribute the drops evenly throughout the day.
Tapering Schedule
- Day 1 to Day 7: 1 drop per eye 4 times a day
- Day 8 to Day 14: 1 drop per eye 3 times a day
- Day 15 to Day 21: 1 drop per eye 2 times a day
- Day 22 to Day 28: 1 drop per eye 1 time a day
Good to Know
- Distribute the drop times evenly throughout the day
- Allow at least 5 minutes between eye drops
- Do not suddenly stop taking Dexmono, but always taper off according to the prescribed schedule
- Do not use Dexmono for longer than prescribed
Possible Side Effects
- Besides the desired effect, Dexmono can also cause side effects. These occur in a small percentage of users. The most common side effects are:
- Temporary blurred vision after instillation
- Mild burning or stinging sensation
- Eye redness
- With prolonged use, an increase in eye pressure may occur in rare cases. Therefore, regular monitoring is important.
Diamox (Acetazolamide)
Diamox is a tablet that lowers eye pressure and helps drain excess fluid (edema). This may be necessary after lens replacement surgery to prevent complications from increased eye pressure.
Use after treatment
- You will receive two tablets as standard on the day of treatment and you should take it in the evening
- Only take on the express advice of a doctor.
- Do not use without a medical indication.
Good to know
- Only use if a doctor deems it necessary.
- Do not combine with other medications without prior consultation.
- Drinking enough water is important.
Possible side effects
- Tingling in fingers or lips
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Change in taste
- In rare cases: dizziness
Thealoz Duo (artificial tear)
Thealoz Duo is a preservative-free eye drop specially developed for dry, sensitive, and irritated eyes. The drops hydrate, soothe, and protect the eye gently yet effectively.
Use after treatment
- Immediately after treatment: 3 times a day, 1 drop per eye until the first bottle is empty.
- Afterward, you can continue using the drops as needed.
Good to know
- Allow at least 5 minutes between using different types of eye drops.
- Shelf life: 6 months after opening.
- Store at 8–30°C.
- Thealoz Duo is available online for further use after use.
Possible side effects
- A mild burning sensation during or after use.
- Temporary blurred vision (usually disappears within a few minutes).
- Wash your hands with soap and dry them thoroughly with a clean towel or paper.
- Sit down and hold the bottle of eye drops in your writing hand.
- With the fingers of your other hand, gently pull the lower eyelid downward to create a small pocket.
- Tilt your head back and look upward. If this is difficult, lie down instead.
- Rest the hand holding the bottle on the hand creating the pocket for extra stability.
- Hold the bottle above the eye, without touching the eye, eyelids, or eyelashes.
- Gently squeeze the bottle and allow one drop to fall into the pocket.
- Close your eye (without squeezing) and sit upright again.
- Gently press the tear duct at the inner corner of the eye for 1 minute. This prevents the drop from draining away too quickly through the nose or throat.
- Wash your hands again and dry them.
