What is cataract surgery?
A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, causing blurred or dull vision. It develops gradually, affecting both the sharpness and the clarity of what you see, and shows itself as difficulty making out fine detail or reading letters on an eye chart. Some cataracts begin by affecting night vision or daytime vision only, then develop further. Surgery gently removes the cloudy lens and replaces it with a clear artificial intraocular lens, restoring sharp, bright vision.
Who is it for?
Anyone experiencing cloudy vision, glare, or difficulty with everyday tasks due to cataracts. It is usually considered when glasses no longer correct the blurring, when glare from headlights or sunlight begins to affect driving, when colours appear faded or yellowed, or when reading and close work have become difficult. Mr El Housseini will confirm your suitability at a full diagnostic consultation.
The procedure
A gentle, day-case procedure taking under 10 minutes per eye under local or general anaesthetic. Ultrasound energy is used to break up the clouded lens, which is then removed and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens. No stitches are required. Surgical fees are £1,400 for one eye or £2,200 for both. Premium intraocular lenses, which reduce the need for glasses afterwards, are available through refractive lens exchange surgery.
Recovery
Recovery is quick and comfortable. Most people notice clearer vision within a few days and return to everyday activities soon afterwards. You will be given eye drops to use for several weeks, and a follow-up appointment is arranged to check that the eye is healing as expected. Mr El Housseini will explain what to expect in your case and remains available throughout your recovery.
FROM
£1,200 per eye
Procedure time
Under 10 mins
Anaesthetic
Local or general
Recovery
Most activities within days
Hospital stay
Day case