Cataract surgery has been performed for many years and is considered to be one of the oldest forms of eye surgery.

Treatment at a glance

Treatment Time

10 mins per eye

Anaesthetic

Numbing drops / sedative (GA available)

Downtime

24 hours

Price

From £2600 per eye

Key Benefit

Safe and effective

Cataract Surgery
Cataract Surgery

When a person develops a cataract, the natural lens begins to cloud over. A surgical procedure to correct this condition involves the removal of the cloudy lens, replacing it with a specially selected intraocular lens (known as IOL).

At Prema we ensure the lens we implant is suitable in strength which may result in minimising the use of glasses – which isn’t always achieved from cataract surgery performed on the NHS. The procedure itself is often pain free and produces very little downtime. Our intention is for the implanted lens to last for a lifetime which is why we select and insert the best quality lens. This type of procedure is now one of the most frequently performed procedures, and thanks to advances in technology is also extremely safe.

What are the benefits of Cataract Surgery?

  • Short-waiting list
  • Quick, painless procedure
  • Implanted lens lasts a lifetime
  • Access to premium intraocular lenses
  • Self-paying and insured options
Cataract Surgery
Prema Aesthetics

How Is It Performed?

Local anaesthetic eye drops are applied
The eye area is washed and cleansed, and a sterile drape will be applied
An instrument will hold your eyelids open
Your doctor will use ultrasound energy to liquefy the lens which can then be aspirated
A new lens will be inserted using an injection system
The lens is unfolded and positioned within the eye

How Is It Performed?

Local anaesthetic eye drops are applied
The eye area is washed and cleansed, and a sterile drape will be applied
An instrument will hold your eyelids open
Your doctor will use ultrasound energy to liquefy the lens which can then be aspirated
A new lens will be inserted using an injection system
The lens is unfolded and positioned within the eye

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The technology used in today’s modern surgery means a cataract is often detected at a very early stage. Therefore, we can address the issue before it becomes too mature, or ‘ripe’, if necessary. However, patients often feel it’s not required until their vision starts to become impacted. If a patient wishes to continue driving, a cataract can mean they compromise meeting the legal visual requirements set by DVLA, so surgery will be needed.

At prema, our specialist cataract surgeons are highly trained, and have performed thousands of cataract surgery procedures. Their work in both the NHS and private practice has given them valuable experience with patients who have high prescriptions, complex cataracts and following other types of refractive surgery.

Cataract Surgery
Cataract Surgery Cataract Surgery
Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions

Your personally assigned surgeon will lead your treatment, with the assistance of their team. A thorough eye examination includes biometry, corneal topography, endothelial cell count, macula OCT and intraocular pressure. The quality of your vision will be assessed to determine our approach to surgery, and the clarity of vision you’ll achieve.

Prema works to achieve exceptional results. All patients remain under our care, receiving treatment until they are discharged. We ensure a full aftercare plan is put in place before leaving the hospital which includes a series of follow-up assessments with your consultant ophthalmologist. If any issues arise following surgery, you can contact Prema at any time.

Your procedure will be carried out by your assigned consultant and their team of nurses. You’ll be given a comfy chair to lie back in while the nurses confirm some specific details, and carry out their pre-treatment tests. We’ll begin by cleaning the eye and applying a sterile drape before starting the surgery, which usually lasts around 10 minutes per eye. Phaco-emulsification technology is used to liquify the lens before it is removed and the new lens is inserted. No stitches are used.

Although you are likely to see what is going on, the procedure is often painless, with some patients experiencing some mild pressure on the eye. Anaesthetic eye drops are used in combination with a mild sedative if this is required. Our team will do everything they can to ensure you feel comfortable and relaxed throughout the procedure.

You’ll need to stay in the hospital for up to 4 hours after the surgery so you can recover effectively.During this time you’ll be allowed to rest, and will be offered some refreshments. The eye should not feel painful, but you may experience a ‘gritty’ feeling for a few days. Any discomfort can be managed with paracetamol.

The pupil will be dilated during surgery, and will settle within 48 hours. The eye may also feel sensitive to light in the early stages. Visual improvement is often noticed immediately after surgery and over 95% of patients are able to drive the very next day – only if able to meet the requirement of reading a number plate from 25 yards away. Vision will continue to improve for up to a week, with any necessary glasses being prescribed after week 2.

To reduce the risk of infection and inflammation, we’ll give you a course of eye drops to be taken for around 4 weeks. One week after the surgery, you’ll have your first follow-up appointment. We advise avoiding the following for the first few weeks: wearing make-up, strenuous exercise, sports and swimming. Driving is allowed the next day if you meet the legal requirements, which may be helpful if you want to return to work. You’ll also need to consider how clean the environment is you’re working in to help reduce the risk of infection.

As technology improves the likelihood of complications developing as a result of cataract surgery reduces. Prema has a very high satisfaction rate, with over 95% of patients reporting a successful outcome. Typically, infection occurs in less than 1 in 5000 cases. Potential complications include: corneal decompensation, persistent macular oedema, implant instability, power calculation errors and glaucoma, and all risks will be explained at consultation.

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Corneal Transplants

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At Prema, we use LASEK as one method for safe and effective laser eye surgery. We can treat common sight concerns such as: hyperopia, myopia and astigmatism.

Laser Guided Cataract Surgery

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Laser Guided Cataract Surgery

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Our laser guided cataract surgery uses femtosecond laser technology, known as FLACS which is one of the most accurate ways to safely remove cataracts.

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