A cataract is an opacification of the natural lens. The purpose of your lens is to bend (refract) light rays that enter the eye towards your retina at the back of your eye, which then transmits the images to the visual part of the brain. To do this effectively, your lens needs to be clear. However, when you develop a cataract, your lens can become cloudy. This can lead to various symptoms such as glare, or foggy, blurry, hazy and less colourful vision. The only way to treat cataracts is with surgery. Keep reading to find out what cataract surgery is, what to expect from the procedure and which consultants at The London Clinic Eye Centre specialise in this surgery.
Cataract surgery
Also known as: Cloudy Lens Syndrome, Lens Opacity
Easy access
Call us today to book an appointment
Fast referral
Get your consultation and care plan within 48 hours
What is it for?
To effectively treat cataracts
On this page
What is cataract surgery? What are intraocular lens (IOL) options, and how are they chosen? What should I expect after cataract surgery? What are the risks of cataract surgery? What if I experience a problem or complication after cataract surgery? How much does Cataract Surgery cost? Click to reveal related conditions
What is cataract surgery?
What are intraocular lens (IOL) options, and how are they chosen?
Your surgeon will discuss the best intraocular lens (IOL) options for your needs based on your lifestyle and visual requirements. Lens types include:
- Mono-focal IOLs: Provide clear vision at a single distance (e.g., far or near).
- Extended-depth IOLs: Enhance focus across a broader range of distances.
- Multifocal IOLs: Offer vision correction at near, intermediate, and far distances.
- Toric IOLs: Correct astigmatism for clearer vision.
Our surgeons have extensive experience in fitting these lenses and will guide you through the decision-making process.
What should I expect after cataract surgery?
You can go home on the same day, but you’ll need someone to drive you. Here’s what to expect during recovery:
- First few days: You may experience mild discomfort, redness, or blurred vision, which typically improves within days.
- Eye protection: Your eye will be covered with a clear shield or dressing until the anaesthetic wears off.
- Medications: You’ll be given antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops to prevent infection and aid healing.
- Vision improvement: Your vision should start improving within days, but full recovery may take up to six weeks.
Normal activities can be resumed within a few days, with no major lifestyle restrictions. Follow-up appointments with your surgeon will monitor your healing, and an updated glasses prescription can be provided by your optician after 4–6 weeks.
What are the risks of cataract surgery?
Although cataract surgery is very safe, like all surgical procedures, it carries some risks. Potential complications include:
- Eye discomfort or dry eye symptoms
- Ptosis (drooping eyelid)
- Stronger-than-anticipated glasses prescription
- Visual disturbances
- Infection or inflammation
- Elevated eye pressure or potential glaucoma
- Displacement of the artificial lens
- Loss of vision
- Retinal detachment
- Opacification of the posterior capsule (“secondary cataract”)
The overall risk of complications is higher if you have other medical or eye conditions. Your surgeon will discuss any specific risks relevant to your situation in detail.
What if I experience a problem or complication after cataract surgery?
Our expert and experienced surgeons are here to help. In some cases, complications such as a tilted lens, a lens dropping into the vitreous cavity, or the need for a special lens due to an eye injury may occur. In these situations, vitreoretinal surgery may be required to address the issue, and our surgeons are highly skilled in managing these circumstances.
If you are seeking a second opinion after cataract surgery performed elsewhere, you can book an appointment with one of our expert vitreoretinal surgeons.
How much does Cataract Surgery cost?
At The London Clinic Eye Centre, cataract surgery costs from £2,910, including the hospital-only price and your consultant’s and anaesthetist’s price (with one follow-up). Price depends on the lens used.
You can choose to use private medical insurance to pay for your procedure or pay for it yourself (self-pay). If you decide to pay for your treatment yourself, we offer funding options that will allow you to spread the cost and make it more affordable.
What to expect from Cataract Surgery
Step 1 Preparing for Cataract Surgery
Your surgeon will provide clear instructions to help you prepare for your cataract surgery. This may include guidance on whether you need to stop eating or drinking before the procedure, which is usually not required, and advice about any medications you may need to pause. You’ll also receive detailed written information about the surgery to review before signing the consent form. If you have any additional questions, your surgeon will be happy to address them on the day of your procedure.
Step 2 During Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is a straightforward day-case procedure, typically taking around 20 minutes. A local anaesthetic will numb your eye, and mild sedation may be offered to help you feel at ease. During the surgery, your surgeon will make a small incision in your cornea, break up the cloudy lens, and replace it with a custom intraocular lens (IOL). In certain cases, adjustments to the technique may be needed, but most patients can go home the same day.
Step 3 Recovery and aftercare
You’ll need someone to take you home after surgery, as you won’t be able to drive. Some redness, mild discomfort, or blurring is normal in the first few days and should improve quickly. Your surgeon will prescribe antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops to aid healing and prevent infection. While your vision often improves within a few days, complete recovery typically takes up to six weeks. Follow-up appointments will monitor your progress, and your optician can check your glasses prescription after healing is complete.
Our experts
We offer Fixed Price Packages
Where possible, we’ll provide a fixed-price package for your hospital care. This covers your hospital stay, nursing, and use of our facilities, giving you a clear guide to what those costs will be.
- Pre-op assessment
- Hospital stay, nursing care and meals
- Tests, scans and physio during your stay
- Take-home medication (up to 5 days)
- Post-op follow-up appointments
- Standard equipment or prosthesis (if needed)
- Unplanned extended stay or ITU (if clinically required)
- Initial consultation and any tests done during it
- Consultant and anaesthetist fees (quoted separately)
- Physio or therapy before or after your stay
- Diagnostics before admission (unless agreed in your plan)
- Specialist medication beyond 5 days
- Ambulance transport or bespoke prosthetics
Your consultant’s fees are quoted separately and shared directly by their office after your consultation. These professional fees cover the time, expertise, and care provided by your consultant before, during, and after your treatment. See our full terms and conditions
Why choose The London Clinic Eye Centre?
The London Clinic Eye Centre provides the highest standards of eye care. Our team of expert ophthalmologists work in partnership with world leaders and experts from all aspects of medicine, combining state-of-the-art diagnostics with cutting-edge therapies to deliver a best-in-class service to a global audience.
Unparalleled eye expertise
Our ophthalmologists bring global experience across the full range of eye conditions, supported by advanced imaging and The London Clinic’s world-class facilities.
With you at every step
From your first appointment to follow-up, our clinicians, nurses and support teams provide coordinated, bespoke care so you always feel confident and supported.
Personal care, every time
We tailor your care around your individual needs, staying with you throughout your journey and ensuring you feel listened to and supported.
Speak to our team
Whether you’re seeking a diagnosis, treatment or a specialist opinion, our Eye Centre team is here to help. Find out more about how we can support your eye health.
0% Finance Options
We’ve teamed up with Chrysalis to offer you funding options that allow you to spread the cost of your treatment.
If you choose to pay for your treatment at The London Clinic over 12 months, you can make use of a great 0% interest option and pay nothing extra. Or you can choose to pay over two to five years at 14.9% APR.
Trustees of the London Clinic Ltd trading as The London Clinic is an Appointed Representative of Chrysalis Finance Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. The London Clinic is a credit broker, not a lender. The provider of a payment scheme which is not offered through or by Chrysalis Finance Limited may not be so authorised and regulated. Cancer treatments or transplants aren’t covered by finance packages. Finance options are only available for UK patients.