Cataract surgery and lens replacement: what it is and how clinics abroad price it
Cataract surgery replaces the cloudy natural lens of the eye with a clear artificial lens. The artificial lens is called an intraocular lens, or IOL. The same operation is sometimes offered as lens replacement to reduce the need for glasses.
What does it involve?
The NHS describes the main steps. The eye is numbed with a local anesthetic, the surgeon makes a tiny opening at the front of the eye, often breaks up the old lens with ultrasound, removes it with suction, and places the new lens inside the lens capsule. The NHS states the operation usually takes 20 to 45 minutes and people can usually go home the same day. If both eyes need surgery, they are treated on separate days; the National Eye Institute says this is usually about a month apart.
The main difference in price comes from the lens type. The American Academy of Ophthalmology describes these:
- Monofocal lens — one focusing distance, most often set for distance vision; glasses are usually still needed for reading.
- Toric lens — designed to correct astigmatism.
- Multifocal lens — gives both distance and near focus at the same time.
- Extended depth-of-focus lens — one corrective zone that covers both near and far.
- Accommodative lens — moves or changes position inside the eye to focus at different distances.
How do clinics price it?
This topic does not have price tables on the site yet. Clinics usually publish prices in one of these units:
- Per eye — the most common unit, for surgery on one eye.
- Per both eyes — a combined price for both eyes, usually done on separate days.
Within each unit, the price usually changes with the lens type. A monofocal lens price and a multifocal lens price are different products, even at the same clinic. Some clinics also price by lens brand.
A published price may include the pre-surgery measurements, the operation, the lens, and a set number of check-ups. Clinics often charge extra for the initial assessment, eye drops after surgery (the NHS says these are usually used for about 4 weeks), extra follow-up visits, a second procedure if needed, and travel and accommodation. A stay may need to be longer if both eyes are treated on one trip.
Prices are only comparable within the same unit and the same lens type.
What should I ask the clinic before paying?
- Is the price per eye or for both eyes, and which lens type and brand does it include?
- What else is included: measurements, eye drops, and how many follow-up visits?
- Who performs the surgery? Ask for the surgeon's name and qualification (see how to check a doctor).
- If a lens needs repositioning or replacing, or a second procedure is needed, who pays?
- How many days apart are the two eyes treated, and how long does the clinic expect you to stay?
- Who handles follow-up after you return home, and will you get a written record of the lens implanted?
- How long is the quoted price valid, and is it in writing?
What this page does not tell you
This page reports what clinics publish about prices and terms. It does not tell you whether you need cataract surgery, or which lens type would work for your eyes. Those decisions belong with your own eye doctor. For laser-based vision correction, see laser eye surgery.