Cataract Surgery
Over 20 Years of Experience in Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is a highly effective procedure that removes the clouded natural lens of the eye, a common consequence of aging. Over time, minor damage accumulates in the lens, reducing its ability to heal itself and leading to cloudiness and diminished vision. As the cataract progresses, the lens becomes harder and more opaque, further impairing eyesight.
For more than 20 years, Bilić Vision Eye Clinic has been helping patients regain clear vision through cataract surgery. Thanks to our long-standing expertise and excellent surgical outcomes, we are recognized as one of the leading eye care centers in Croatia for this procedure.
Who Is a Candidate for Surgery?
Blurred vision and poor contrast may be signs of cataracts.
Cataracts affect around 50% of people aged 65 to 74, and up to 70% of those over 75.
While cataracts most commonly develop as a natural part of aging, they can also appear earlier in life due to:
Procedure Overview
Restore your vision and see every detail clearly again.
At Bilić Vision Clinic, cataract removal is performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning no hospital stay is required and patients can return home the same day.
The procedure is done under local anesthesia using anesthetic eye drops. During the surgery, there is no pain, though the patient may feel light touches on the eye.
The surgery itself takes 10 to 15 minutes and does not require any stitches, which reduces the risk of post-operative astigmatism.
It’s important to note that cataract surgery is not performed on both eyes at the same time. There should be a one- to two-week gap between surgeries to ensure the first eye has healed properly and without complications.
Laser Cataract Surgery
Enables Faster Recovery
To provide our patients with the most advanced technology and highest level of care, Bilić Vision Clinic now offers laser-assisted cataract surgery.
This procedure uses cold laser energy, which is gentler on the eye compared to traditional methods.
All incisions, including the crucial one on the front capsule of the natural lens, are made with a laser, ensuring greater precision. This allows for easier implantation of the artificial intraocular lens (IOL), making the overall outcome of the surgery more accurate and safer.
The laser also breaks up the cloudy lens into smaller pieces, making it easier for the surgeon to remove them before inserting the new artificial lens, which remains in the eye permanently and provides clear, sharp vision.
Thanks to this advanced technique, recovery after cataract surgery is faster, and the risk of post-operative corneal haze is reduced.
Laser cataract removal offers patients quicker recovery, lower risk of complications, and optimal visual outcomes due to the high precision of femtosecond laser technology.
If you opt for the traditional ultrasound-based cataract surgery, known as phacoemulsification, you can also expect excellent care and outstanding results.
Phacoemulsification is considered the “gold standard” of cataract surgery and is widely used in leading eye clinics around the world. It involves breaking up the cloudy lens using ultrasound and removing it with a microsurgical probe. The natural lens is then replaced with an artificial one, significantly restoring vision and quality of life.
Comprehensive Eye Examination
To find out whether you have cataract, you’ll need a detailed eye examination using a slit lamp (biomicroscope).
This exam provides a precise analysis of your eye structures and helps detect signs of cataract. Since other eye conditions can affect the treatment plan, a comprehensive ophthalmological exam is recommended – one that assesses all aspects of your vision.
In some cases, if the lens is severely clouded, an ultrasound scan of the eye may also be required to
clearly view the back of the eye and the structures located behind the lens.
Depending on the exam results, your ophthalmologist will take into account factors such as your current prescription, astigmatism, eye pressure, axial length of the eye, and your everyday needs — including reading, driving, computer work, and other activities. Based on this information, the doctor will recommend the most suitable type of intraocular lens (IOL) to restore your vision and improve your quality of life.
What types of intraocular lenses are available?
Today, there is a wide range of intraocular lenses (IOLs) that can meet the various needs and lifestyles of patients:
Monofocal lens improves distance vision, while near vision may remain weaker, though not necessarily poor. Patients who choose this type of lens will typically still need reading glasses or glasses for other close-up activities.
Multifocal lens provides clear vision at all distances: far, intermediate (such as computer work), and near. This lens is used not only in cataract surgery but also as a solution for reducing or eliminating diopters, regardless of the prescription strength. The lens power is determined before surgery based on individual measurements. Once implanted, the lens remains permanently in the eye, offering freedom from glasses for most daily tasks.
Toric intraocular lens (IOL) effectively corrects corneal astigmatism. Even high levels of astigmatism can be treated with a toric lens. However, patients should be well-informed about all available options and have realistic expectations.
Multifocal toric lens combines the benefits of both multifocal and toric lenses, correcting refractive errors and astigmatism while providing clear vision at all distances.
Preparing for Cataract Surgery
Laser cataract surgery is a straightforward procedure that doesn’t require strict preparation, but we recommend a few useful tips:
Recovery after surgery is usually very fast, and most patients regain full visual sharpness within just a few days.
Procedure Overview
Once the anesthetic eye drops have taken effect, the patient lies on their back under the laser device. The eye is first disinfected with Betadine, and then a sterile drape is placed over the eye, head, and upper chest. A speculum is used to keep the eyelids open during the procedure.
All incisions on the front capsule of the lens are made using the Femto laser, guided by the unique structure of your eye. These precise laser cuts do not require stitches, which significantly speeds up post-operative recovery.
The laser also softens the cataract, breaking it into smaller, softer fragments that the surgeon can easily remove.
After the cataract is removed, an artificial intraocular lens is implanted. The lens, typically 6 millimeters in diameter, is folded and inserted through a tiny 2.2-millimeter incision using a specialized instrument.
Once inside the eye, the lens unfolds into its intended shape. The entire procedure usually takes about 15 minutes.
Recovery Time
Thanks to the minimally invasive procedure, you can return to normal daily activities in just a few days:
- After 2 days, you can drive again.
- After 3 days, you can return to computer work.
- During the first 2 weeks, avoid lifting heavy objects or bending your upper body forward, as this could interfere with proper healing of the incision.
- After 2 weeks, your recovery is complete, and you can return to your regular lifestyle.
Cataract Surgery Package
The cataract surgery package includes:
The package does not include:
