Short answer
PRELEX surgery takes only 10–20 minutes per eye: the natural lens is removed through a tiny incision and replaced with a premium intraocular lens. Most patients return to office work within 2–3 days. At the Prague clinic of Dr. Petr Novák, coordinated by ROYAL MEDICAL, the procedure costs from €1,296 per eye (ZEISS PureSee) or €1,513 per eye (TECNIS Odyssey), and follows a distinctive safety-first approach: a full internal medicine examination before surgery and a staged, one-eye-first protocol.
In Part 1 of this guide Lens replacement surgery after 50, we explained why reading glasses become almost inevitable after 50 and why PRELEX (Presbyopic Lens Exchange) treats the cause of presbyopia rather than its symptoms. This second part covers the practical side: the surgery itself, recovery, lens choice and prices, possible risks — and why your surgeon’s approach matters.
Is PRELEX right for you?
You may be a good candidate if you are approximately 50 or older, need reading glasses every day, have healthy eyes, and understand that no surgical procedure can guarantee perfection.
Further evaluation may be needed if you have retinal disease, advanced glaucoma, certain corneal disorders, previous eye injuries, very high myopia, or conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes that affect healing. The most important question is not whether to have surgery — but whether your eyes are suitable for PRELEX.
What happens during PRELEX surgery?
PRELEX takes 10–20 minutes per eye, is performed through a tiny incision, usually requires no stitches, and patients return home the same day.
The surgeon creates a tiny incision at the edge of the cornea. The natural lens is gently broken into microscopic fragments using ultrasound (phacoemulsification) and removed. A folded premium intraocular lens is then inserted through the same incision, where it unfolds naturally and remains permanently in position.
Recovery from PRELEX: what should you expect?
Most patients notice clearer vision within 2–3 days and return to most daily activities within a week.
| Time after surgery | What to expect |
| First 24 hours | Mild blurring, a watery eye, light sensitivity. |
| After 2–3 days | Clearer vision, return to office work, comfortable reading. |
| After one week | Most daily activities feel normal; vision continues improving. |
| After one month | The eye is largely healed; the brain has adapted to the new optics. |
Complete neuroadaptation to premium lenses may continue for several weeks or even months.
Choosing the right premium lens: ZEISS PureSee vs. TECNIS Odyssey
There is no universally “best” lens — only the best lens for you. Two of the most advanced premium lenses currently offered by Dr. Petr Novák are:
ZEISS PureSee
A new generation of Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF) technology: excellent distance and intermediate vision, functional near vision, minimal halos and comfortable night driving. Active professionals and frequent drivers appreciate its natural quality of vision.
Johnson & Johnson TECNIS Odyssey™
One of the newest premium full-range lenses, providing continuous vision from distance to reading. Patients who prioritize maximum spectacle independence often choose Odyssey.
How Much Does Lens Replacement Surgery Cost in Prague
At the clinic of Dr. Petr Novák, PRELEX costs €1,296 per eye with the ZEISS PureSee lens and €1,513 per eye with the TECNIS Odyssey lens. Two examinations are required before surgery:
| Item | ZEISS PureSee | TECNIS Odyssey™ |
| PRELEX surgery (per eye) | €1,296 | €1,513 |
| Comprehensive eye examination | €130 | €130 |
| Internal medicine pre-operative examination | €102 | €102 |
Prices valid as of July 2026. ROYAL MEDICAL provides transparent pricing with no hidden fees — you receive a complete cost overview before making any decision.
Why Dr. Petr Novák’s approach is different
Technology alone does not determine the outcome — the surgeon’s philosophy and attention to detail matter just as much. At ROYAL MEDICAL, we work with Dr. Petr Novák, a highly experienced cataract and refractive surgeon whose Prague clinic is known for meticulous patient assessment and individualized treatment planning. His approach differs from many high-volume clinics in two ways.
1. A complete medical examination — not just an eye examination
Many clinics perform only the ophthalmic assessment. Dr. Novák requires both a comprehensive eye examination and a full internal medicine pre-operative examination — because conditions such as uncontrolled hypertension, heart disease, diabetes or blood-thinning medication can affect surgical safety and healing. Identifying these factors in advance reflects a philosophy of patient safety first, rather than performing surgery as quickly as possible.
2. One eye first — the second eye only after real-life experience
While many clinics schedule both eyes within a day or two, Dr. Novák first operates on one eye only. The patient then spends at least one day living with the new lens — reading, working at a computer, driving, and seeing in daylight, twilight and at night. Because every brain adapts differently to premium lenses, this real-life feedback occasionally allows subtle adjustments that improve the final binocular result. Only then does Dr. Novák proceed with the second eye — an approach many patients find deeply reassuring.
“Choosing the right premium lens is only part of achieving an excellent result. Equally important is understanding how each patient adapts to their new vision. Operating on one eye first allows both the patient and the surgeon to confirm that the selected lens truly matches the patient’s lifestyle before proceeding with the second eye.”
— Dr. Petr Novák, Cataract & Refractive Surgeon
Are there any risks?
Every surgical procedure carries some risk, but serious complications after PRELEX are uncommon when patients are carefully selected. The most common issues are:
Posterior capsule opacification (secondary cataract)
Months or years after surgery, the capsule behind the artificial lens may become cloudy. This is not a cataract returning — it is easily treated with a painless YAG laser procedure lasting only a few minutes.
Halos, glare and reduced contrast
Some patients notice rings around lights or slightly lower contrast in dim light during the first weeks. These symptoms usually improve as the brain adapts, and your surgeon will take them into account when recommending the most suitable lens.
Key takeaways
- PRELEX takes 10–20 minutes per eye; most patients return to office work within 2–3 days.
- Lens choice is individual: ZEISS PureSee (EDOF) suits active professionals and frequent drivers, TECNIS Odyssey maximizes spectacle independence.
- In Prague, PRELEX costs €1,296–€1,513 per eye depending on the lens, plus €232 in pre-operative examinations.
- Dr. Petr Novák’s safety-first protocol includes a full internal medicine examination and a staged, one-eye-first approach.
- Serious complications are uncommon; the most frequent, PCO, is treated in minutes with a YAG laser.
Frequently asked questions
Is PRELEX painful?
No. The eye is numbed using anaesthetic eye drops, and most patients feel only gentle pressure during the procedure.
Will I definitely never need glasses again?
No responsible surgeon can promise complete freedom from glasses. However, most patients experience a dramatic reduction in their dependence on glasses for everyday activities.
Can cataracts return?
No. Once the natural lens has been replaced, a true cataract cannot develop. Only posterior capsule opacification (PCO) may occur, and this can usually be treated within minutes using a YAG laser.
How much does PRELEX cost?
At the clinic of Dr. Petr Novák, PRELEX costs €1,296 per eye with the ZEISS PureSee lens and €1,513 per eye with the TECNIS Odyssey lens, plus a comprehensive eye examination (€130) and an internal medicine pre-operative examination (€102). Prices valid as of June 2026.
Ready to explore life without reading glasses?
Choosing PRELEX means choosing a surgeon, a clinic and a team that will guide you through every step. At ROYAL MEDICAL, we work with carefully selected eye specialists in Prague and support patients from across Europe with personal treatment coordination, English- and German-speaking support, travel assistance, transparent pricing and comprehensive aftercare.
If you’re over 50 and would like to know whether PRELEX is the right solution for you, arrange a comprehensive consultation — our team will connect you with an experienced surgeon who will recommend the treatment best suited to your eyes, not simply the most commonly performed procedure.
Clear vision can change the way you experience everyday life. Choosing the right surgeon can make all the difference.