Modern Eye Surgery at the Diakonissen Clinic in Linz
Cataracts are among the most common eye conditions in older adults. They typically affect people over the age of 60, though the first changes in the lens often begin earlier. The good news is that cataracts are treatable. Thanks to modern eye surgery, the clouded lens can now be safely and precisely replaced with an artificial lens. At the Diakonissen Linz Clinic, the focus is not only on the surgery itself, but on comprehensive care before, during, and after the procedure. “We have seven surgeons at the clinic. What sets the Diakonissen apart is that the care provided by the entire surgical team—even in the run-up to the procedure—is exceptional. The team is highly motivated, proactive, and responsive to the individual needs of patients,” emphasizes Dr. Peter Hammer. The eye surgery team at the Diakonissen Clinic in Linz includes Dr. Manfred Dichtl, MBA, Dr. Herbert Großpötzl, Dr. Manuel Haider, Dr. Peter Hammer, Dr. Marietheres Jirak, Dr. Paul Jirak, Dr. Barbara Wienerroither, and Dr. Nikolaus Wienerroither. Together, the team stands for a high level of specialization, extensive surgical experience, and close collegial collaboration.
Take Gradual Symptoms Seriously
A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens. Those affected often first notice reduced contrast sensitivity, increased sensitivity to glare, or blurred vision—for example, when trying to read traffic signs. As the condition progresses, a typical gray haze may develop. If left untreated, cataracts can lead to blindness. The causes are varied. In addition to age, UV light, diabetes, metabolic disorders, inflammation, injuries, or certain medications can also play a role.
Precision and experience make the difference
The diagnosis is made through a comprehensive eye examination. This is because it is not only crucial to determine whether there is lens opacity, but also whether other eye conditions are affecting visual acuity. Only then can it be assessed whether surgery is appropriate and likely to be successful. “The surgery seems straightforward because research advances and fine-tuning have reached a very high level today. But we must not trivialize it,” emphasizes Dr. Hammer. Modern technology, precise calculations, and AI-assisted support for specialized lenses help find the best possible solution for every patient. Nevertheless, eye surgery remains a field of high-precision medicine, and experience is a decisive factor.
Personalized medicine instead of a one-size-fits-all solution
Cataract surgery usually takes only about 15 minutes, is performed under local anesthesia using eye drops, and is painless. During the procedure, the clouded lens is removed and replaced with a custom-calculated intraocular lens. Stitches are generally not necessary. It is precisely this customization that makes a significant difference. Modern lenses can not only treat cataracts but, under certain conditions, also address presbyopia. For patients, this means being less reliant on glasses in daily life. This makes a thorough personal consultation all the more important. Cataract surgery is now a very safe and standardized procedure. Nevertheless, every surgery carries risks. Complications are possible, but severe outcomes are very rare. This makes high-quality standards, well-established procedures, and an experienced team all the more important. “The better and more experienced the team and the surgeons are, the safer the path out of potential complications,” the team of eye surgeons explains in unison. After the surgery, eye drops, follow-up appointments, and rest are essential for healing. A glasses fitting is usually recommended after four to six weeks.
Well cared for from the initial examination through to follow-up care
After the surgery, vision usually improves gradually over the following days. You may initially experience a sensation of a foreign body in the eye or a slight itching, as well as increased sensitivity to light. It is important not to rub the eye during the healing phase, to avoid physical exertion, and to ensure that no water gets into the eye. The prescribed eye drops and follow-up appointments play a key role in ensuring a complication-free recovery. In some cases, a condition known as a secondary cataract may develop after surgery. In this case, it is not the implanted intraocular lens that becomes cloudy, but the tissue behind it. For those affected, vision then appears grayer and blurrier again. But there is a simple solution for this today. The aftercataract can be treated painlessly and quickly in the office using a laser. Normal activities are possible again as early as the next day. For the Diakonissen Linz Clinic, eye surgery is therefore far more than a technical procedure. It is about precise medicine, experience, individualized decisions, and a team that provides patients with reliable support—both medically and personally—or, as Prim. Dr. Josef Macher, Medical Director of the Diakonissen Clinic, puts it: “An important factor is that people leave satisfied.” This is precisely what defines modern cutting-edge medicine today.
CONTACT
Diakonissen Clinic Linz
linz.diakonissen.at
Tel.: +43 732 / 76 75-0
linz.diakonissen.at
Tip: “Mir zuliebe,” the health podcast from the Diakonissen Linz Clinic, dedicates its seventh episode exclusively to the topic of eye surgery.
