Is there an age limit for cataract surgery?

The answer, essentially, is no. While each patient is different â€“ and itâ€™s up to you and your surgeon to determine whether cataract surgery is the best option for you â€“ your age is not necessarily a limiting factor. In fact, successful cataract operations have been carried out on patients as old as 109, with good results. Estimates suggest that around half of people aged 75-85 have experienced some vision loss due to cataracts. Yet, while it is a condition that primarily affects older people, the condition can come on as early as your 40s or 50s, and in rare cases children can even be born with a congenital cataract. Of course, the severity of the problem varies from person to person, but over time the cataracts will cause a partial, and ultimately, a complete loss of vision. However, the good news is that it is almost always treatable. Around 95% of people who receive cataract surgery find that their vision returns to the level experienced before the cataract developed.

Are there any other limits to cataract surgery?

As mentioned above, age is not necessarily a factor that limits cataract surgery. However, there are certain conditions and circumstances where it might not be best to undergo the treatment. These can include some of the following: Underlying eye conditions â€“ Conditions such as active diabetic retinopathy or active wet macular degeneration might limit what can be achieved during cataract surgery and affect the results expected. Previous eye trauma â€“ If you have suffered any prior eye damage in an accident then this may be a limiting factor. Stage of cataracts â€“ Some very advanced forms of cataract may not be treatable, but this only applies in very few cases. Genetic conditions â€“ Keratoconus and Marfanâ€™s syndrome are two genetic conditions that can make cataract surgery difficult. Pre-existing conditions â€“ Glaucoma, uveitis and other conditions affecting the eyes might also prevent surgery.

How long do you stay in hospital after cataract surgery?

You will not have to stay in hospital overnight after cataract surgery. The surgery itself only takes a few minutes and most of your cataract surgery recovery can be done in the comfort of your own home. You must arrange for transportation to and from the hospital on the day of surgery as your vision will be slightly blurred. We advise bringing a friend or family member along with you.

who is laser eye surgery suitable for?

Each laser eye surgery treatment is suited to different individuals with different eye health needs. LASIK is best suited to patients with hyperopia or myopia, whereas LASEK is suitable for individuals with thin or flat corneas. ReLEX SMILE is suitable for individuals with or without astigmatisms. At Optegra, we understand that everyone is different. During your free consultation with one of our expert laser eye surgeons, you will undergo an in-depth assessment to determine which laser eye treatment is best suited to you.

How long does it take to recover from cataract surgery?

After your cataract surgery, your vision will be blurry at first and you may be asked to wear a protective patch. Your sight should return a few hours after the operation and your vision should improve quickly over the next week or two, reaching its optimum at 4-6 weeks.

How soon can I drive after cataract surgery?

Most patients who have undergone cataract surgery are able to resume driving 24 hours after the procedure. You will need to arrange alternative transport home from your surgery on the day, ideally being driven home by a friend or family member. Your surgeon will give you tailored advice on returning to driving which is specific to your recovery, as part of your one day postoperative check.

Can I have both eyes done at once?

If you are suffering loss of vision in both eyes, then cataract surgery will usually be carried out on both eyes, a few weeks apart. Although the risks are minimal with this procedure, it is not entirely risk free and therefore by keeping the operations apart, adequate healing can be ensured for the first eye before treatment is undertaken on the second eye.

Can my cataract come back after it has been removed?

No, once a cataract has been removed it cannot return to the same eye. The artificial lens which replaces your eyeâ€™s natural lens in surgery does not allow cataracts to build up, leaving you with clear vision after the treatment.

Will I need glasses, contact lenses or reading glasses after cataract surgery?

Cataract surgery replaces the natural lens with a clear permanent artificial lens. Any existing or future long or short-sightedness problems may still exist. However, we offer cataract refractive surgery which uses advanced technology lenses that could correct long or short-sightedness. This surgery could help you eliminate or reduce your dependence on glasses at the same time as removing your cataract.

Do you offer interest free finance on private cataract surgery?

Yes, we offer finance on cataract surgery up to 24 months at 0% interest. Additional finance lengths are also available.

Private Cataract Surgery | Free Consultation within Days

Top rated on Doctify and Trustpilot
Experienced, world-renowned surgeons
Superb interest free finance options up to 24 months
State of the art hospitals nationwide

Your Journey to Clearer Vision

Free Virtual Consultation

Comprehensive eye examination with our expert surgeons.

Blue eye close up — Free face-to-face assessment

Advanced diagnostic tests to determine your ideal treatment.

Treatment tailored to you

Tailored cataract plan designed just for you.

What is a Cataract?

A cataract is a common, painless condition where the natural lens of the eye becomes gradually clouded, making it harder to see clearly. Although often linked to ageing, cataracts can also be caused by injury or other medical conditions.

The eye’s lens focuses light onto the retina at the back of the eye, helping you see sharp images. When the lens becomes cloudy, that focus is lost, leading to blurred or dimmed vision.

Once a cataract has developed, surgery is the only effective treatment. The good news is that cataract removal is a quick, pain-free, and straightforward procedure, carried out as a day case with no overnight stay. It’s also the most commonly performed elective surgery in the NHS.

There’s no need to struggle with poor vision. Cataract surgery is safe, highly successful, and can restore your sight with minimal disruption to your life.

What is Cataract Surgery?

Cataract surgery is a quick and effective procedure to restore clear vision. It involves making a tiny incision in the eye to remove the cloudy natural lens, which is then replaced with a clear, artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL). Without this lens, your vision would remain significantly blurred.

The replacement lens is designed to last a lifetime, making cataract surgery a permanent solution. The procedure is carried out using local anaesthetic eye drops, so you’ll remain awake but feel no pain or discomfort.

At Optegra, we offer a choice of standard and advanced cataract surgery options, allowing you to select the treatment that best suits your vision goals and lifestyle. Your clinical team will take the time to understand your lifestyle and visual expectations before recommending the most suitable option. Whatever you choose, you can be confident in the quality of care you’ll receive.

Why Choose Optegra For Private Cataract Surgery?

Optegra is a great place to come for cataract surgery because we combine therapeutic procedure with a refractive procedure to restore vision but also impart spectacular independence.

Dr Amir Hamid

Chief Medical Officer & Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon

Private vs NHS Cataract Surgery

Optegra is unique because of our ability to offer both NHS cataract surgery and private cataract surgery under one trusted roof. Alongside our high-quality NHS service, we provide a well-established private vision correction journey, giving patients access to the latest lens technologies and personalised treatment options.

Whether you’re seeking functional clarity or greater freedom from glasses, our experienced consultants will help you explore the full range of possibilities, with care that’s truly centred around you.

Combined Treatment Benefits

With Optegra’s advanced cataract surgery options, we can often address your cataracts and enhance your overall vision in one straightforward procedure. This means clearer sight and greater independence from glasses or contact lenses.

If you have cataracts in both eyes, we can also offer bilateral surgery to treat them on the same day. This allows you to experience the full benefit of improved vision sooner, with fewer visits and a quicker recovery. Our experienced team will carefully assess your suitability and explain all options, so you can make the choice that’s right for you with confidence and peace of mind.

Advanced Options

As you can only have cataract surgery once, we believe that every patient considering NHS cataract treatment should be aware of all the options. This is especially the case for advanced intraocular lens (IOL) implant options. Advanced IOLs can be used instead of a standard lens to provide spectacle independence every day for the rest of your life, in addition to restoring your vision after cataract surgery.

Different Types of Cataract Surgery Explained

We offer a range of different cataract treatment options, and the most suitable approach will be discussed with you by your consultant after a thorough assessment at one of our clinics.

Your recommended treatment will depend on the level of vision correction needed and your lifestyle goals:

Standard cataract treatment

Standard cataract treatment uses a high-quality monofocal lens to replace the cloudy natural lens. It is designed to restore clear distance vision, which means you will likely still need glasses for reading or other close-up tasks. This treatment is commonly offered through the NHS and provides a straightforward, trusted way to improve your vision. On the NHS, cataract surgery is carried out on one eye at a time, with 6-12 weeks wait time in between, to allow each eye to heal properly. If you choose private treatment at Optegra, we can often treat both eyes on the same day. This means fewer visits and a quicker recovery, so you can get back to enjoying clearer sight sooner.

Enhanced cataract treatment

For patients with astigmatism, we offer toric lenses as part of our enhanced treatment. Astigmatism can cause blurred or distorted vision at all distances. A toric lens corrects both the cataract and the astigmatism in a single procedure, providing sharper vision without the need for additional glasses for distance. Reading glasses may still be required.

Advanced cataract treatment

Our most comprehensive option uses a multifocal lens, which is designed to improve vision at a range of distances – near, intermediate and far. This advanced lens aims to significantly reduce or even eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses altogether. It’s ideal for patients who want greater visual freedom and fewer limitations in their daily activities, such as reading, driving and using digital devices.

How much does Private Cataract Surgery Cost?

We believe in being transparent, which is why we provide clear, upfront pricing for all our cataract surgery options. Your consultant will recommend the most suitable treatment based on your personal needs during your free initial consultation. To make private cataract surgery more accessible, we also offer a range of flexible payment options, including up to 24 months interest-free.

Our indicative price range is below:

Standard Cataract Treatment

Cataract surgery with monofocal lens

Enhanced Cataract Treatment

Cataract & astigmatism treatment with a toric lens

Advanced Cataract Treatment

The most advanced cataract surgery using a multifocal lens

For further information, please view our cataract surgery costs page.

Getting a Cataract Diagnosis & Referral

Cataracts are usually diagnosed by your GP or optician after you’ve noticed your vision becoming blurred, cloudy or gradually worsening.

If you’ve been diagnosed and want to explore treatment without delay, Optegra is here to help. The referral process depends on how you choose to receive care. Once you’ve received a cataract diagnosis from your optician or GP, you have two main referral options to access treatment with Optegra:

NHS Cataract Surgery

If you’re eligible for NHS treatment, your optician or GP can refer you directly to Optegra. With our dedicated NHS clinics, we’re often able to offer treatment within 4 to 6 weeks, which is significantly faster than many standard NHS wait times. You’ll receive high-quality care from our experienced clinical team in a calm, specialist setting.

Private Cataract Surgery

If you prefer to be seen even sooner or want access to a wider range of premium lens options, you can choose private treatment. No referral is needed. Simply contact us directly to book a free consultation. We can typically arrange surgery within just a couple of weeks.

No matter which route you choose, we’ll guide you through every step and ensure you feel confident and supported in your care journey.

Excellent service

Very happy with my new eyes. The staff at the Yorkshire clinic were very friendly and professional. I was…

Alison Lambert
Fantastic from start to finish

Fantastic from start to finish. The initial consultation was very thorough and I was given the opportunity to…

Janet Worthington
I am not writing reviews often but…

I am not writing reviews often but Optegra Birmingham clinic staff fully deserve it. I would give 6 stars if…

Sara Townsend
Good experience

I have just been discharged by the doctor from having cateract operation in August . The whole experience has…

Vivien Boswell

The Benefits of Cataract Surgery

Get treated by world renowned, top trained surgeons
Can have surgery without the need for a referral
Access advanced treatments not available on the NHS
Most patients can have bilateral sequential surgery (get both eyes treated on the same day, otherwise it is only a week's wait to get the second eye treated)
Treatment to have freedom from glasses in addition to vision restoration post cataract surgery
Highly affordable 0% finance options
Best in class aftercare for up to 12 months*
Additional complimentary vision refinement treatments included*
Free initial consultation worth £300

*on certain treatment packages.

When to have Cataract Surgery

There are no non-surgical treatments for cataracts. The only option to restore sight when affected by cataracts is to remove and replace the clouded natural lens with cataract surgery.

When is surgery necessary?

A cataract doesn’t always need to be removed simply because it is present. If your cataract has no real impact on day-to-day life, then it is not recommended to have cataract surgery unless the impact on vision worsens.

Considering Surgery

Unlike laser eye surgery, cataract removal on the NHS is not an elective procedure and should only be carried out if deemed necessary by you and your surgeon. For example, if reading has become difficult, driving is impossible, or quality of life is impaired. These are all reasons for considering having cataract surgery.

Your Decision

It’s important to realise that it is always you, the patient, who has the final say about whether you have cataract surgery. Our world class surgeons can help you understand what is involved and can advise you on the best way forward, but it is always entirely your choice.

Learn more about who qualifies for cataract surgery.

What our patients say

Real experience from real people who trusted us with their vision.

“I had private bilateral cataract surgery plus extended range lens implants. All staff involved were friendly, welcoming and professional and my whole experience at Optegra was commendable. I was seen promptly and cared for well at each stage in a modern and pleasant environment.”
- Cataract Surgery Patient at Optegra, May 2025
“I was treated very well by everyone I’m pleased with the out come of my cataracts operation the staff were very thougher explaining how going forward after my treatment was done too”
- Cataract Surgery Patient at Optegra, May 2025
“I would highly recommend Optegra, as a professional, efficient, caring provider of eye care/surgery. ”
- Cataract Surgery Patient at Optegra, May 2025
“Fantastic service – can’t fault. Pleasant staff and very professional. It has made such a difference no longer needing my glasses after having cataract surgery”
- Cataract Surgery Patient at Optegra, April 2025
“Excellent service from assessment to cataract removal from both eyes. All staff inspired confidence with their knowledge and friendly manner. Hygienic and comfortable environment, tea and coffee available I really can find nothing negative to say about Optegra”
- Cataract Surgery Patient at Optegra, April 2025

You can read further reviews from our patients on Trustpilot.

Our Private Cataract Surgeons

At Optegra, your care is led by some of the most respected cataract surgery consultants in the UK. All of our surgeons are NHS-trained and highly experienced, with thousands of successful procedures carried out.

Many are also Fellows of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists or equivalent international bodies, reflecting their commitment to the highest standards of clinical excellence.

Our consultants take the time to understand your individual needs and will guide you through your treatment with clarity and compassion, so you can feel confident at every stage of your journey.

Private Cataract FAQs

If you are having private treatment in both eyes, we can usually treat both on the same day to reduce the inconvenience of you arranging two sets of hospital visits. If for any reason this is not an option, your consultant will explain, and in this circumstance, the wait is usually one week before having a procedure on the second eye.

If you are having treatment on the NHS, treatment for both eyes can usually take between 6-12 weeks.

Cataract surgery typically takes between 8-20 minutes per eye, with no need to stay overnight following the procedure. Your sight will begin to return a few hours after the procedure, as you head off to recover in the comfort of your own home.

After your cataract surgery, your vision will be blurry at first, and you will be asked to wear a protective eye shield. Your sight should return a few hours after the operation, and your vision should improve quickly over the next week or two, reaching its optimum at 4-6 weeks.

The operation itself is pain-free. You will be awake during the procedure; however, we will use a local anaesthetic to numb the eye and the area surrounding it. Afterwards, you may experience gritty eyes and mild discomfort, which is normal. This should disappear in just one or two days.

Most NHS patients will continue to wear contact lenses or glasses after their cataract treatment. However, we offer refractive cataract surgery which uses advanced technology lenses that could correct long or short-sightedness. This surgery could help you eliminate or reduce your dependence on glasses at the same time as removing your cataract.

It is normal to have grittiness, watering, blurred/double vision or a bloodshot eye following the procedure. Mild light sensitivity is also normal. These symptoms usually improve after a few days but it can take 4-6 weeks to fully recover.

Though your eyes are open during the procedure, you won’t actually see the surgery happen. Many patients report seeing colours during their surgery and describe it as a pleasant experience.

Most cataract patients can return to work after around three days. If you work in a dusty or smoky environment or your job involves heavy lifting or bending down, it is recommended to delay returning to work by two weeks.

For our private cataract surgery patients we provide patients with goggles after surgery, which are more comfortable to wear. You should keep this on until the next morning. If advised, ensure to wear while sleeping for 7 nights. You should also wear sunglasses outside for the first week after surgery and wearing sunglasses outdoors is good practice in the weeks following this.

As cataract surgery is done quickly and only to a small area, patients are usually awake during the procedure. Anaesthetic makes the procedure painless but if you are very anxious you can request a mild sedative to help you relax.

It is possible to undergo a cataract procedure if you have previously had laser eye surgery. Having had laser treatment can make it harder to calculate the required lens accuracy, but we take several steps to optimise the outcomes after laser eye surgery. It is now possible to get much closer to the highly accurate calculation results seen in people who have never had laser eye surgery. This assures you of the best chance of the excellent outcome you deserve.

Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as paracetamol, may be taken during the first few days of recovery if necessary.

No, once a cataract has been removed it cannot return to the same eye. The artificial lens which replaces your eye’s natural lens in surgery provides you with clear vision after the treatment.