Refractive cataract surgery not only removes the clouded lens caused by cataracts but also aims to correct refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. This approach involves using premium lenses (IOLs) that enhance vision at multiple distances, potentially reducing or eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses.
Experience Freedom from Glasses with Refractive Cataract Surgery
If your vision has become cloudy or blurred due to cataracts, refractive cataract surgery could be the solution you have been looking for. This advanced procedure removes the cataract and corrects common refractive errors like short-sightedness, long-sightedness, and astigmatism—helping you to achieve clearer vision without relying so heavily on glasses or contact lenses.
What is Refractive Cataract Surgery?
Why Have Refractive Cataract Surgery?
If you’ve been wearing glasses or contacts for most of your life and now have cataracts, this surgery offers you a chance to fix both issues at once.
Refractive cataract surgery is ideal for people who want to:
- Be less dependent on glasses or contacts
- Treat astigmatism at the same time as cataracts
- Improve vision at multiple distances
- Invest in long-term vision improvement
By addressing both the cataract and underlying vision issues simultaneously, this surgery can significantly improve your overall visual quality and reduce dependence on corrective eyewear.
Types of Cataract
Cataracts are diagnosed based on their location within the eye’s lens and their underlying causes. The most common age-related cataracts found are:
Cortical Cataract
Cortical cataracts affect the edges of the lens, forming white, wedge-like streaks. These streaks gradually work their way to the centre of the eye and can cause glare, halos around lights, and difficulty seeing at night.
Nuclear Cataract
These form in the centre (nucleus) of the eye's lens and often develop with age. They can cause your vision to become yellowed or brownish, making it harder to see in fine detail, especially in low light.
Posterior Subcapsular Cataract
These types of cataracts start at the back of the lens and can progress quickly. You may notice increased difficulty when reading, sensitivity to light, and trouble seeing in brighter conditions.
Why Choose Centre for Sight?
Trust Centre for Sight — the UK’s leading clinic of excellence, dedicated to providing you with premium eye care. Here are a few reasons why you should choose us:
| Cataract Surgery | Centre for Sight | Other |
|---|---|---|
| Laser Cataract? For precision and safety | ? | |
| Sedation Included - Intravenous | ? | |
| High Performance Lenses - To reduce/eliminate the need for glasses | ? | |
| Tailor-made/ Customised - care for each patient and each eye | ? | |
| 24/7 Emergency Contact | ? | |
| Where eye surgeons go for their Cataract Surgery | ? | |
| Long track record - Est. 1996 | ? | |
| Daily Mail list of UK Top Surgeons | ? | |
| Ophthalmologist Power List 100 | ? | |
| Trouble-shooters - problems from elsewhere | ? |
Types of Lenses We Offer
Our refractive cataract patients have access to premium lenses, including:
- Multifocal lenses – to treat distance and near vision, reducing reliance on glasses
- Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF) lenses – offering a smooth range of vision and subsequently less likely to cause glare or halos in the future
- Toric lenses – correcting patients with astigmatism for sharper, clearer vision
Our consultants will discuss your options to select the lens that best fits your lifestyle – whether reading without glasses, driving at night, or enjoying sport or travel.
Price of Refractive Cataract Surgery
The cost of cataract surgery at Centre for Sight typically ranges between £3,497 and £4,988 per eye, depending on the type of lens implant (IOL) you have and the technology that is used during your treatment.
As cataract surgery is considered a medically necessary procedure, many private health insurance policies provide full or partial cover. We also offer flexible finance options of up to 24 months, helping to make your vision correction more manageable and stress-free.
Curious about what your treatment might cost? Book a free consultation and our team will guide you through the options available to you — including personalised pricing and payment plans.
Patient Journey
Consultation
During your initial consultation, our team of experts and your chosen consultant will carry out an in-depth eye examination using the latest diagnostic equipment. We’ll evaluate your vision and discuss your lifestyle, which will help us recommend the most effective eyecare options tailored to your unique needs and enable you to make a fully informed decision.
Personalised Treatment Plan
We provide personalised eye treatment tailored to your unique visual needs, ensuring optimal care and transparent, evidence-based procedures. Before surgery, our team will guide you through every stage of your journey, including post-operative care and eye drop use. You will have plenty of opportunity to ask any questions.
Your Procedure
Upon arrival, our skilled team will welcome you and ensure you are comfortable. During your procedure, your expert surgeon will guide you through each step, keeping you calm and reassured. You should expect some initial blurred vision post-surgery, therefore we advise that you arrange transport and refrain from driving until your vision is clear.
Aftercare
With our advanced techniques and state-of-the-art technology, you may experience improved vison as soon as the next day, depending on your procedure. Our comprehensive aftercare includes follow-up appointments to monitor your eye health and vision. Our dedicated team is always available to answer any questions and address any concerns you may have.
Click here to learn more about cataract surgery aftercare.
FAQs
How does refractive cataract surgery differ from standard cataract surgery?
Refractive cataract surgery combines cataract removal with vision correction, aiming to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses.
Is the procedure safe?
Yes, it’s a commonly performed and safe procedure. Your surgeon will discuss any potential risks based on your individual health.
What results can I expect?
Many patients achieve significantly improved vision, often reducing or eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses.
Types of lenses available
Please click here to see the different types of lenses that Centre for Sight has to offer.
Our Consultants
David Shahnazaryan
Ophthalmology – Cataract Surgery, Anterior segment surgery, Laser eye surgery, Lid surgery, Refractive surgery, Corneal transplantation, Minor procedures
Marcela Espinosa-Lagana
Cornea, Cataract, Keratorefractive Surgery and Paediatric Ophthalmology
Sheraz M. Daya
Cornea, Cataract, Anterior Segment and Keratorefractive surgery
Lucia Pelosini
Ophthalmology – Cataract surgery, Corneal and external eye disease, Diabetic eye disease
Saj H Khan
Cornea, cataract, refractive lens replacement, keratorefractive surgery, implantable contact lenses (ICL), and advanced dry eye treatments.
Patient Testimonials
Linda H’s Story
Linda H had cataract surgery 10 years ago at Centre for Sight and has since recommended and brought her family...
Mr Neal G
"My eyesight is now better than it has ever been!" Neal Centre for Sight, Cataract Patient
Andy C’s Story
"Extremely professional and friendly staff who have kept us informed through the whole process."