Cataract operations in Vienna: A look at the increase in procedures

Cataract operations in Vienna: A look at the increase in procedures

Cataracts, also known as cataracts, are a common eye disease that affects people of a certain age. In Austria, almost 90 percent of people over 65 are affected by this disease, which causes the lens to become cloudy and thus gradually reduces vision. Cataract surgery is necessary to correct these visual impairments. In recent years, the method of treating this disease has improved greatly, making the procedures considered low-risk.

The numbers of eye operations performed in the Vienna religious hospitals are particularly remarkable. In 2023, the two Franziskus Hospitals, which belong to the Franciskus Group together with the Landstraße Clinic, recorded an impressive 4,450 day-clinic cataract operations. These numbers reflect a clear increase in interventions over the years. In 2020, the number of operations was 3,883, followed by 3,685 in 2021, 3,956 in 2022 and rising to 4,450 this year.

An increase in interventions

The increase in eye operations in Vienna's religious hospitals is not a coincidence. The increasing number of older people, especially the “baby boomer” generation, is leading to a greater need for these necessary interventions. According to a spokeswoman for Francis Facilities, demand for eye surgery is expected to continue to increase in the coming years.

Most patients who undergo these procedures are in the mid-50s and older age group. However, these are not just cataract surgeries. The vast majority of procedures, 88 percent, are common cataract surgeries. The remaining procedures are eyelid corrections or treatments for restricted field of vision.

There are many reasons why a cataract develops. The best-known risk factors include UV radiation, diabetes mellitus, eye inflammation, genetic predispositions and age. This disease is usually progressive in nature and often results in those affected becoming increasingly dependent on treatment.

Due to their specialization, the Viennese religious hospitals are an important starting point for such medical interventions. The high annual increase in eye operations shows how important it is to treat age-related diseases in a timely manner and thus improve the quality of life of patients.

For further information on the developments in the Vienna religious hospitals and the operations carried out, you can read the article by www.meinkreis.at consult.