Is the operation painful? How does it feel?

No, cataract surgery is normally painless. The eye is numbed locally with anaesthetic drops — you stay awake throughout the procedure but feel no pain. Many patients also receive light sedation (a sedative via a drip) to reduce anxiety and help them relax. During surgery patients may perceive light and movement, but no pain. The procedure takes only 15–20 minutes per eye.

How long do the operation and the recovery take?

The procedure itself takes only 15–20 minutes per eye, but the total time at the clinic (including preparation, waiting and observation) is about 2–4 hours. Most patients notice a clear improvement in vision the very next day and can return to their normal daily activities within a few days (often 2–5 days) — including driving, reading, watching TV and shopping. Complete healing takes about 4–6 weeks, but most patients feel comfortable again after a week. The two eyes are usually operated on on different days (1–2 weeks apart) to minimise the risk of infection.

What risks and complications are there?

Cataract surgery is one of the safest surgical procedures in the world, with a success rate of over 99%. Nevertheless there are potential risks and complications patients should be aware of:Risk / Frequency / Description Infection (endophthalmitis) / Very rare (<0.1%) / Severe eye infection requiring immediate treatment Retinal detachment / Rare (0.1–0.5%) / More common in severely short-sighted patients Macular oedema / Rare (1–2%) / Fluid accumulating in the centre of the retina Posterior capsule opacification (PCO) / More common (10–20% within 5 years) / Clouding of the posterior lens capsule, easily treated with a YAG laser Refractive surprise / Rare (1–2%) / Unexpected visual outcome, a follow-up correction may be needed Bleeding/swelling / Rare / Usually temporary and self-limitingThe risk is minimised by choosing an experienced clinic and following the aftercare instructions.

What does the operation cost? Is it covered by insurance?

Costs vary widely depending on the country, the clinic, the type of IOL and the complexity of the procedure:- Austria & Germany: €1,500–3,500 (per eye, monofocal), €2,500–5,000 (per eye, premium IOL)- Croatia: €1,000–1,500 (per eye, monofocal), €1,900–2,300 (per eye, premium IOL) In many countries cataract surgery with a standard (monofocal) IOL is covered by statutory health insurance, while premium IOLs (multifocal, toric, EDOF) are usually paid privately and cause additional costs. Comparing prices — and treatment abroad — is worth considering here.

Which artificial lenses are available?

There are various types of intraocular lens (IOL), chosen according to individual needs and the structure of the eye: Which lens is right depends on factors such as lifestyle, occupation, hobbies, existing eye conditions and budget.

Can the operation wait or does it have to be done now?

The operation can usually wait until the loss of vision noticeably affects everyday life — there is no medical emergency unless the cataract causes secondary problems (e.g. glaucoma).

Can I drive after the operation?

Most patients can drive again within a few days (often 2–5 days), as soon as their vision meets the legal requirements and the doctor gives the go-ahead.

Can the cataract come back after the operation?

No, the cataract cannot come back because the clouded lens has been completely removed. In rare cases a “secondary cataract” (a clouded capsule behind the artificial lens) can occur, but it is easily corrected with a painless laser treatment (YAG laser).

Treatments Eye SurgeryCataract surgery

Eye Surgery Up to -60%

Cataract surgery

Q: What does the operation cost? Is it covered by insurance?

Costs vary widely depending on the country, the clinic, the type of IOL and the complexity of the procedure:- Austria & Germany: €1,500–3,500 (per eye, monofocal), €2,500–5,000 (per eye, premium IOL)- Croatia: €1,000–1,500 (per eye, monofocal), €1,900–2,300 (per eye, premium IOL) In many countries cataract surgery with a standard (monofocal) IOL is covered by statutory health insurance, while premium IOLs (multifocal, toric, EDOF) are usually paid privately and cause additional costs. Comparing prices — and treatment abroad — is worth considering here.

Q: Which artificial lenses are available?

There are various types of intraocular lens (IOL), chosen according to individual needs and the structure of the eye: Which lens is right depends on factors such as lifestyle, occupation, hobbies, existing eye conditions and budget.

Q: Can the operation wait or does it have to be done now?

The operation can usually wait until the loss of vision noticeably affects everyday life — there is no medical emergency unless the cataract causes secondary problems (e.g. glaucoma).

Q: Can I drive after the operation?

Most patients can drive again within a few days (often 2–5 days), as soon as their vision meets the legal requirements and the doctor gives the go-ahead.

Q: Can the cataract come back after the operation?

No, the cataract cannot come back because the clouded lens has been completely removed. In rare cases a “secondary cataract” (a clouded capsule behind the artificial lens) can occur, but it is easily corrected with a painless laser treatment (YAG laser).

Outpatient cataract surgery with a premium IOL in 15 minutes. Better vision straight away — up to 60% cheaper.

Your Price at GO Medics

from €1,100

Best PriceIncl. consultation & aftercare

Price in DE / AT / CH

2.600 €

You save 1.500 €

Duration15 minutes per eye

Recovery time1–2 days

Treatment inCroatia & Slovenia

QualityISO-certified

SupportGerman-speaking

About the treatment

Gentle cataract removal with modern lens replacement.

Your benefits

Premium IOL instead of standard lens — better vision quality
Outpatient — no hospital stay required
Only 15 minutes per eye

How the treatment works

Pre-examination: Biometry and lens selection.
Surgery: Phacoemulsification under drop anesthesia, 15 min.
Aftercare: Check the next day. Eye drops for 3 weeks.

Why GO Medics?

GO Medics connects you with ISO-certified partner clinics in Croatia and Slovenia — with German-speaking support, transparent pricing and personal guidance from consultation to aftercare.

Your benefits at GO Medics

Premium IOL instead of standard lens — better vision quality

Outpatient — no hospital stay required

Only 15 minutes per eye

Price comparison

DACH region2.600 €

GO Medicsfrom €1,100-60%

Savings1.500 €

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