Private Cataract Surgery in London
Rediscover Vision
Cataract surgery is the only effective treatment for cataracts. It is a pain-free, low-risk, short operation, typically taking less than 15 minutes.
Book a ConsultationCataract surgery is life-changing, helping you get back to enjoying your hobbies and other interests with the confidence you previously had.
About 1 in 3 of those aged 65+ will have a cataract that is affecting their vision and requires treatment, and this figure rises to half of those over 80 years old.
During cataract surgery, the cloudy natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens implant termed an intraocular lens (“IOL”). In NHS funded cataract surgery, only one type of lens implant is available: a single focus lens (termed monofocal).
Privately, there are no restrictions to lens implant choice, and most patients choose to have a “premium lens.” These provide better depth of focus and astigmatism correction compared to a standard NHS monofocal non-astigmatism correcting lens.
Types of Lenses
The two main types of premium lenses are multifocal or extended depth of focus (EDOF) lenses.
Multifocal lenses or full-range lenses are those with multiple focal points (typically trifocal), providing distance, middle vision, and near vision. These lenses work well in people who are prepared to accept some compromise, as even with the latest multifocal lens designs, there will still be some glare or halos in some lighting situations.
Extended depth of focus lenses are the latest optical design of lens implants and provide a continuous range of focus (instead of multiple discrete focal points). EDOF lenses provide greater depth of focus than a standard monofocal lens, but without most of the optical compromises and side effects that are associated with a multifocal lens. These lenses provide a range of focus from clear distance to larger print in good light. Near glasses will still be needed for small print.
Many eye surgeons only offer standard cataract surgery using only a standard monofocal lens and no astigmatism management.
How Long Does Cataract Surgery Take?
Cataract is one of the shortest operations you can have, usually taking 15 minutes per eye or less. Both eyes can be safely treated the same day. As the anaesthetic for your eye surgery is eye drops, and a tiny pellet is used to dilate the pupils, there is no need to worry about any injections or having bloodshot eyes afterwards.
Whilst cataract surgery can be performed with just anaesthetic drops alone (as is standard NHS practice), it is generally much more pleasant if combined with light sedation that works quickly and wears off very quickly with no hangover effect. For this reason, Mr Alex Day’s cataract surgery prices include a dedicated Consultant Anaesthetist whose sole responsibility is to ensure your surgery is totally pain-free.
Frequently asked questions
Cataract Surgery Pricing From £4,100
How Do I Prepare for Cataract Surgery?
Preparing for cataract surgery is straightforward but important to ensure the best results. Your eye surgeon will first perform a comprehensive eye examination to assess the health of your eyes and determine the most suitable intraocular lens (IOL) for your vision needs.
Before surgery, you may be asked to:
- Stop certain medications temporarily, as advised by your doctor.
- Arrange transport, since you won’t be able to drive immediately after the procedure.
- Follow pre-operative instructions, such as using prescribed eye drops to reduce the risk of infection.
Most patients can eat and drink normally before surgery, but your eye clinic will provide specific guidance tailored to your procedure.
What Happens After Cataract Surgery?
Recovery from cataract surgery is typically rapid. Most people notice improved vision within a few days, though complete healing can take several weeks.
After surgery, you will:
- Use prescribed eye drops to prevent infection and reduce inflammation.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes and take care during activities like showering or washing your face.
- Attend follow-up appointments to monitor healing and ensure optimal vision.
It’s normal to experience mild blurriness, light sensitivity, or watery eyes in the first few days. Most patients can return to normal activities, including reading and light exercise, within a few days, while strenuous activity should be avoided for a short period.
What Are The Symptoms Of Cataracts?
A cataract is where the natural lens inside the eye becomes cloudy resulting in light being scattered or blocked when it passes through it. Symptoms include:
Blurred vision that cannot be corrected by glasses or contact lenses
Glare or halos around lights at night, or glare in sunshine
Difficulty seeing in dim light or at night
Rapidly changing glasses prescriptions
When Is It The Right Time For Cataract Surgery?
Most cataracts are age related, and so patients tend to be in their 60s or older, however they can occur at any time or after a previous eye surgery or trauma.
Modern cataract surgery is performed as soon as a person has symptom affecting their lifestyle. Earlier cataract surgery is now preferred as advanced cataract has a significantly higher risk of complications.
What Affects The Outcome Of Cataract Surgery?
The level of experience and skill of your cataract surgeon.
The accuracy of the preoperative measurements and calculations for the intraocular lens implant (ocular biometry).
The type of lens implant (intraocular lens, IOL) used.
The technology used during cataract surgery: modern technology is small incision phacoemulsification cataract surgery or femtosecond laser assisted cataract surgery.
The presence of other eye conditions such as age related macular degeneration or glaucoma, or health problems such as diabetes or previous trauma to the eye.
The healing of the eye after surgery, and the use of the postoperative eye drops.
Is Cataract Surgery Painful?
Absolutely not! There is no pain or discomfort, and just the occasional sense of pressure.
Most cataract surgery is performed under local anaesthetic drops and sedation. It is short day case procedure, typically taking 15 minutes or less per eye.
The overall time spent in the hospital is typically 2-3 hours.
Can Both Eyes Be Treated At The Same Time?
Many patients can have, and choose to have both eyes operated on, in one treatment session.
With bilateral same day surgery there is only one admission and one recovery period after surgery than if the surgeries were performed a few weeks apart.
How Quickly Does The Vision Improve After Surgery?
The vision is usually soft focus immediately after surgery and rapidly picks up over the next couple of days.
Many people can resume work and safe driving with a few days of surgery.
Will I Still Need To Wear Glasses After Surgery?
Almost all do not need to wear glasses for clear distance vision after surgery; however, there can never be a guarantee that this is the case.
Glasses may still sharpen distance vision a little for example to help with prolonged night driving.
If there is clear distance vision, then reading glasses will be needed unless an advanced Extended Depth of Focus or multifocal lens implant has been used. Again, reading glasses may still be needed even if these lenses are used for prolonged reading, performing very fine tasks, or reading in dim light.
Do I Still Need To See My Optician After I’ve Had Cataract Surgery?
Yes, once all follow up appointments have been completed, you will be discharged and you should continue to see your local Optician yearly for normal sight tests.
These are important as people can still develop other eye conditions such as glaucoma or age related macular degeneration.