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What is Cataract Surgery?
Cataracts are cloudy areas that develop in the lens of the eye. In a normal eye, light is focused by the cornea (the clear window at the front of the eye) and the lens to form a sharp image on the retina at the back of the eye. As we get older, the lens can develop cloudy patches, which initially result in blurry vision (even when wearing the correct spectacles), and eventually can lead to sight loss.
When you first develop cataracts, you may notice your vision is a little blurred. With time, you may notice further symptoms, such as:
- Distortion in your vision
- Lights feel too bright
- Seeing halos around bright lights – e.g. streetlights
- Double vision
- Not being able to see as well in brightly lit rooms or in sunshine
- Poor night vision
- Colours appear faded
Cataracts cannot be treated with medicines, eye drops or lasers. The only way to treat cataracts is with surgery. Around 300,000 cataract operations are performed in the UK each year. The operation involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial plastic lens or intraocular implant. This routine operation usually takes 30-45minutes and is performed under local anaesthetic as a day case, meaning you can be treated and go home the same day.
Consultants
How Much Does Cataract Surgery Cost?
from £2,075*
The price shown includes all costs associated with your treatment, from admission to discharge. Doesn’t include surgeon or anaesthetist fee. Our hospital fee is guaranteed at the price quoted and valid for one month from the date issued, subject to pre-assessment.
£2,075 |
£2,380 |
£2,705 |
£3,640 |
£3,440 |
£3,650 |
£4,070 |
£4,280 |
How to pay for your treatment
If you’re… paying for yourself
Did you know you don’t need private medical insurance to come to St John & St Elizabeth Hospital? As a self-pay patient, you can access safe, outstanding quality health care at times to suit you.
For scans and tests, as well as to see most consultants, you’ll still need to be referred by a medical professional like your GP, but as a self-pay patient, the process is more straightforward. You won’t need authorisation from an insurance provider, and you’ll have greater choice of consultant and appointment times.
If you’re… insured
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is approved by all major medical insurance companies. If you have a personal private health insurance policy, or your company provide it for you, you can use it to pay for your care from your initial consultation through to treatment, surgery and aftercare such as physiotherapy. Not all private health insurance plans cover the same things. It’s very important to check exactly what you are covered for with your insurance provider.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cataract Surgery
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is located in St John’s Wood (NW8), a well-connected area of North West London. We’re close to Hampstead (NW3) and Kilburn (NW6), making us accessible to patients across the region.
By Tube:
- St John’s Wood station (Jubilee Line) is just a 5-minute walk from the hospital.
- Finchley Road (NW3) and Kilburn stations (NW6) on the Jubilee Line provide excellent connections.
By Bus:
- Wellington Road: Routes 13, 46, 82, and 113 stop near St John’s Wood Underground Station, just a short walk from the hospital.
- Circus Road: Routes 46 and 187 stop close to the hospital’s Circus Road entrance.
- Abbey Road: Routes 139 and 189 stop near the junction where Grove End Road becomes Abbey Road, providing easy access.
Major Roads:
If you’re travelling from NW3 or NW6, main routes such as Finchley Road or Kilburn High Road offer a direct approach to the hospital.
Our location ensures convenient travel for patients from across London, particularly those in NW8, NW3, and NW6 postcodes.
Age-related cataract
This affects older people and is by far the most common form of cataracts. In the UK, about 1 in 3 people over the age of 65 has a cataract, with men and women being equally affected. Often both eyes are impacted, although one eye may be worse than the other. Age-related cataracts often form gradually over many years. As the effects are gradual, many people with an early stage cataract do not realise. Cataracts become progressively worse however and can eventually result in total vision loss.
It isn’t known why cataracts are more likely to appear as we get older. However, some factors may increase your risk:
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- A family history of cataracts
- Drinking too much alcohol
- Long-term steroid use
Congenital cataracts (present at birth)
These are uncommon but it is important they are diagnosed early, as vision is learned very early in infancy. A congenital cataract stops the eye from learning to see and can cause blindness that persists even once the cataract has been removed. As such, it is vital for congenital cataracts to be removed as soon as possible after birth.
Other types of cataracts
Other uncommon causes of cataracts can stem from an injury to an eye, or as a result of radiation exposure. Cataracts can sometimes develop as a secondary problem for people with conditions such as diabetes.
Cataracts are often detected during routine eye examinations, sometimes before you notice vision problems. In early stages, stronger glasses and brighter lighting may help, but the only effective treatment is replacing the cloudy lens with a clear one. If your optician diagnoses cataracts, they will recommend seeing an ophthalmologist for further assessment and treatment.
At your consultation, an ophthalmologist will discuss your symptoms, medical history, and perform a detailed eye examination. They will also take measurements to determine the right lens implant for you. If surgery is recommended, they’ll explain the procedure, risks, benefits, and your lens options, such as multifocal or accommodating lenses. Before surgery, a pre-assessment will check your fitness for surgery, including blood and urine tests. It’s also an opportunity to ask questions.
Cataract surgery is a day procedure, usually under local anaesthetic. Sedation may be provided for relaxation if needed. You’ll receive detailed fasting instructions if sedation is used. Wear comfortable clothes, avoid make-up, and bring essentials like medications and a charger. Upon arrival, a nurse will check your vitals and review your medical history. Your doctor will explain the procedure again before surgery.
The surgery focuses on one eye at a time, typically 6 to 12 weeks apart. Through a small incision, the surgeon removes the cloudy lens using ultrasound and suction. A clear plastic lens is then inserted in its place. The procedure is precise and uses advanced techniques to ensure safety and effectiveness.
After surgery, your eye will be padded, and you’ll be monitored before being discharged the same day. Expect some discomfort as the anaesthetic wears off, but pain relief and eye drops will be provided. Vision may be blurry, and your eye might feel itchy or dry for a few days. Avoid rubbing your eye, strenuous activities, and heavy lifting during recovery. Most patients notice clearer vision and brighter colours within days, with full recovery in 4-6 weeks. Follow-up appointments will ensure proper healing, and any severe pain or sudden vision loss should be reported immediately.