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, driving, or recognising faces. 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.
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 and typically takes 15-20 minutes per eye. You will be awake but comfortable throughout, and most patients describe the experience as painless. We also offer Immediate Sequential Bilateral Cataract Surgery (ISBCS) — both eyes treated during the same visit — for suitable patients.
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.
We offer a range of intraocular lens (IOL) options to suit different visual needs and lifestyles. A monofocal lens provides clear vision at one distance (usually distance); reading glasses are still commonly needed. A toric lens also corrects astigmatism for sharper overall vision. Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF) lenses provide an extended range for distance and intermediate tasks. Multifocal lenses aim to reduce dependence on glasses for a range of distances. Your surgeon will discuss which option best suits your eyes and lifestyle.
After surgery you will be given antibiotic drops and anti-inflammatory drops to use for approximately four weeks. Your surgeon will provide a clear schedule. For some patients, we offer dropless cataract surgery, where medication is placed into the eye during surgery to reduce or eliminate the need for post-operative drops.
Cataract surgery is performed under local anaesthetic, which numbs the eye completely. We use either topical anaesthetic (numbing eye drops) or a sub-Tenon's block (a small injection of anaesthetic around the eye) — your surgeon will discuss which is most appropriate for you. Both methods are highly effective. The procedure itself is painless; you may be aware of light and gentle pressure but should not feel discomfort. Mild grittiness or watering in the first 24-48 hours is normal and settles quickly.
Most patients notice a significant improvement in vision within 24-48 hours. Eye drops are used for approximately four weeks. You can usually return to desk work and light activities within a day or two. Driving, swimming, and heavy lifting should be avoided for at least two weeks. Final visual results — particularly with multifocal lenses — continue to improve over three months.
The surgical technique used at Vale Eye Surgeons is phacoemulsification — the modern gold standard. The main patient choice is lens type: monofocal, toric, EDOF, or multifocal. We also offer same-day surgery for both eyes (ISBCS) and dropless surgery for suitable patients.
Cataract surgery is very safe and the vast majority of patients have an excellent outcome. As with any surgery, complications can occasionally occur.
Common side effects (usually temporary): blurred or fluctuating vision, mild discomfort or grittiness, light sensitivity, dry eye, glare or halos around lights, need for glasses after surgery.
Uncommon risks: corneal or retinal swelling, raised eye pressure, prolonged inflammation, lens implant movement, need for YAG laser treatment for late clouding behind the implant (posterior capsule opacification).
Rare but serious risks: infection inside the eye (endophthalmitis), retinal detachment, significant bleeding, permanent loss of vision, need for further surgery.
Your surgeon will discuss all risks in detail before any procedure and will advise when to seek urgent attention after surgery.
Standard cataract surgery starts at approximately £3,200 for one eye and £4,600 for both eyes treated on the same day. 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 prior to treatment.
Occasionally, a follow-up procedure called a YAG Capsulotomy is required to treat late-onset clouding. This is a distinct procedure and is not included in the initial cost of cataract surgery.