Advanced lens replacement surgery to restore clear, sharp vision
A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens inside your eye, causing blurred vision, glare, and difficulty with everyday tasks like reading and driving. Cataract surgery is the most commonly performed operation in the UK and involves replacing the clouded lens with a clear artificial intraocular lens (IOL) tailored to your prescription.
At Vale Eye Surgeons, cataract surgery is performed by consultant ophthalmologists with over 12 years of surgical experience and complication rates well below the national average.
Modern cataract surgery uses a technique called phacoemulsification. A tiny incision (less than 3mm) is made at the edge of the cornea, and ultrasound energy is used to gently break up and remove the cloudy lens. A folded artificial lens is then inserted through the same incision, where it unfolds into position. The incision is self-sealing and typically requires no stitches.
We offer a range of premium lens options including monofocal, toric (for astigmatism), extended depth of focus (EDOF), and multifocal lenses. Your surgeon will discuss which lens best suits your visual needs and lifestyle during your consultation.
A thorough eye examination including OCT imaging and biometry measurements to calculate the correct lens power. Your surgeon will explain the procedure, discuss lens options, and answer any questions.
The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic (eye drops) and typically takes 15-20 minutes per eye. We offer same-day procedures, including same-day sequential bilateral cataract surgery (both eyes treated during the same visit). You will be awake but comfortable throughout, and most patients describe the experience as painless.
You can go home the same day with a protective eye shield. Most patients notice improved vision within 24-48 hours. You will use eye drops for several weeks and attend a follow-up appointment to check healing.
If cataracts are affecting your daily life - making it harder to read, drive, or recognise faces - surgery is likely to help. Your consultant will assess the severity of your cataract and discuss whether the benefits of surgery outweigh the small risks involved. There is no need to wait until a cataract is "ripe" before having it removed.
Our surgeons perform hundreds of cataract operations each year through their NHS and private practice, with complication rates well below the national average across more than 12 years of surgery. You will see the same consultant from your first appointment through to your post-operative review - continuity of care that larger hospital groups cannot always offer.
Standard cataract surgery is available for a single eye or as a same-day bilateral procedure. Choosing to have both eyes treated at once is the more cost-effective route, with prices starting at approximately £3,200 for one eye and £4,600 for both.
While your procedure will be performed by the Vale Eye Surgeons team, the surgeries take place at Spire Cardiff Hospital. Because the hospital sets the facility fees, prices are not fixed by Vale Eye Surgeons. Your care coordinator will provide a comprehensive cost breakdown to ensure you have the final figures prior to treatment.
Occasionally, a follow-up procedure called a YAG Capsulotomy is required to treat late-onset clouding and ensure the best visual outcome. Please note that this is a distinct procedure and is not included in the initial cost of cataract surgery.