Cataract Surgery treatment in Switzerland

Cataract Surgery

Flavio Sonanini
Reviewed by Flavio Sonanini, Medical Travel Expert|Updated: January 2026

Cataract surgery removes the clouded natural lens of the eye and replaces it with a clear artificial intraocular lens (IOL)—a quick 15-30 minute outpatient procedure that permanently restores clear vision with immediate improvement.

What is Cataract Surgery?

Cataract surgery removes the clouded natural lens of the eye and replaces it with a clear artificial intraocular lens (IOL)—a quick 15-30 minute outpatient procedure that permanently restores clear vision with immediate improvement.

What to Know Before You Go

💡 Pro Tip: Premium IOLs (multifocal, toric) cost more but can dramatically reduce your dependence on glasses after surgery. Discuss your lifestyle needs with your surgeon to choose the best lens option for your daily activities.

⚠️ Insider Note: If both eyes need surgery, most surgeons operate on one eye first, then the second 1-2 weeks later. This approach is safer and allows each eye to heal independently before treating the other.

Cost of Cataract Surgery in Turkey

Lens Type
Turkey
UK
USA
Savings
Standard monofocal IOL
€1,200-€2,000
£3,000-€5,000
$4,000-€6,000
55-60%
Premium multifocal IOL
€2,000-€3,500
£4,500-€7,000
$5,500-€9,000
55-60%
Toric IOL (astigmatism)
€2,500-€4,000
£5,000-€8,000
$6,500-€10,000
55-60%

Savings: Turkey offers 55-60% savings on cataract surgery compared to UK/USA prices. *Prices per eye.*

What's Included

Cataract surgery packages in Turkey typically cover:

Ophthalmologist consultation and testing
Surgery with premium IOL of choice
Clinic facility and equipment
Post-operative medications and eye drops
Follow-up consultations
Some packages include hotel and transfers

Benefits

Restored clear vision permanently
Quick 15-30 minute procedure
Minimal recovery time (1-2 days)
Permanent lens replacement
Premium lens options available
Can reduce or eliminate glasses dependence
55-65% cost savings vs UK/USA

The Procedure

Step 1 – Preparation: Dilating drops expand the pupil, numbing drops applied. No needles or injections needed.

Step 2 – Incision: Tiny self-sealing cut (2-3mm) made in the cornea—no sutures required.

Step 3 – Lens Removal: Ultrasound energy (phacoemulsification) breaks up the cloudy lens, which is gently suctioned out.

Step 4 – IOL Implant: New artificial lens folded and inserted through the tiny incision, then unfolds into position.

Step 5 – Completion: Eye shield placed for protection, no stitches needed.

Procedure time: 15-30 minutes per eye.

Recovery & Downtime

Day 1: Some blurriness normal, avoid rubbing, wear eye shield at night
Day 2-3: Vision improving significantly, can read and watch TV
Week 1: Most activities resumed, use prescribed eye drops 4 times daily
Month 1: Final vision stabilized, prescription glasses if needed

Potential Side Effects

Temporary blurry vision day 1 (occurs in 80-90% of patients, resolves quickly)
Mild discomfort or scratchiness (occurs in 40-60% of patients)
Light sensitivity days 1-3 (occurs in 50-70% of patients)
Eye drops required for 4 weeks (occurs in 100%—part of normal healing)
Rare: Infection or swelling (occurs in <1% of patients with modern techniques)

Is Cataract Surgery Right for You?

Ideal candidates:

Cataracts causing blurry or cloudy vision
Difficulty driving at night (glare/halos)
Faded or yellowed colors
Frequent glasses prescription changes
Desire to reduce glasses dependence

Not suitable for:

No significant cataract present
Active eye infections (treat first)
Certain retinal conditions (evaluate first)
Uncontrolled glaucoma

Frequently Asked Questions

Is cataract surgery painful?

No, the eye is completely numbed with drops. You may feel slight pressure but no pain during the 15-30 minute procedure.

How soon will I see clearly?

Most patients notice improved vision within 24 hours. Full stabilization takes 1-4 weeks as the eye fully adjusts to the new lens.

Can cataracts return after surgery?

No. Once the clouded lens is removed, cataracts cannot return. Occasionally posterior capsule clouding ("secondary cataract") occurs years later, easily treated with a quick laser procedure.

Will I need glasses after surgery?

It depends on your lens choice. Monofocal lenses provide excellent distance vision but may require reading glasses. Premium multifocal lenses reduce glass dependence for all distances.

How long does surgery take?

The actual procedure takes 15-30 minutes per eye. Plan for 2-3 hours total at the clinic including preparation and recovery.

What are the risks?

Modern cataract surgery is extremely safe with success rates over 98%. Rare complications include infection and swelling, minimized with proper technique and aftercare drops.

When can I fly after cataract surgery?

Most patients can fly 24-48 hours after surgery with no issues. However, 3-5 days is recommended for comfort and to attend follow-up appointments.

Do I need a companion for surgery?

Yes, you'll need someone to accompany you home as your vision may be blurry initially and you cannot drive yourself.

Is This Right For You?

"Anyone with cataracts causing vision problems, blurry vision, difficulty driving at night, or faded colors. No age limit."

Benefits

Restored clear vision

Quick 15-30 minute procedure

Minimal recovery time

Permanent lens replacement

Premium lens options available

Can reduce glasses dependence

55-65% cost savings vs UK/USA

The Process

Procedure

Step 1 – Preparation: Dilating drops and numbing applied (30 mins).

Step 2 – Incision: Tiny self-sealing cut made in cornea.

Step 3 – Lens Removal: Ultrasound (phacoemulsification) breaks up cloudy lens.

Step 4 – IOL Implant: New artificial lens positioned.

Step 5 – Completion: Eye shield placed, no sutures needed.

Recovery & Downtime

Day 1: Some blurriness, avoid rubbing. Day 2-3: Vision improving significantly. Week 1: Most activities resumed, use prescribed eye drops. Month 1: Final vision stabilized.

Potential Side Effects

  • Temporary blurry vision day 1 (occurs in 80-90% of patients, resolves quickly)
  • Mild discomfort or scratchiness (occurs in 40-60% of patients)
  • Light sensitivity days 1-3 (occurs in 50-70% of patients)
  • Eye drops required for 4 weeks (occurs in 100%—part of healing)
  • Rare: Infection or swelling (occurs in <1% of patients)

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Clinics for Cataract Surgery

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