Cataract Treatment
Cataract & Lens Exchange Surgery
Whether you need cataract surgery or lens exchange to reduce dependence on glasses, premium lens options are tailored to your lifestyle. Consultant-led care with dual expertise in cornea and cataract surgery.
Duration
15-20 minutes per eye
Anaesthesia
Topical drops (no needles)
Recovery
Most activities within 24-48 hours
Pain Level
None to minimal
What are Cataracts?
A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens inside your eye. This lens, which sits behind the pupil, is normally clear and helps focus light onto the retina. As we age, proteins in the lens break down and clump together, causing the lens to become cloudy.
Cataracts typically develop slowly over years and can affect one or both eyes. Early cataracts may cause no symptoms, but as they progress, you may notice:
- Blurred or cloudy vision
- Increased glare, especially when driving at night
- Faded or yellowed colours
- Difficulty reading in low light
- Frequent changes in glasses prescription
When to Consider Surgery
Cataract surgery is recommended when your cataracts significantly affect your daily activities—reading, driving, watching television, or recognising faces. There's no need to wait until cataracts are "ripe"; modern surgery can be performed at any stage.
If you're unsure whether you're ready, our suitability quiz can help you understand your options.
The Menassa Approach
Why Corneal Expertise Matters for Cataracts
Ocular Surface Optimisation
Before any measurements, Miss Menassa ensures your tear film and ocular surface are healthy. This "clean the windscreen first" approach typically leads to more accurate lens calculations.
Precise Biometry
With a healthy ocular surface, the measurements used to select your lens are typically more reliable, which helps reduce the chance of refractive surprises after surgery.
Complex Case Expertise
For patients with corneal conditions like Fuchs' dystrophy, Miss Menassa can offer combined procedures—cataract surgery and corneal transplant together.
Lens Options
The lens you choose determines your vision after surgery. Miss Menassa will help you select the option that best matches your lifestyle and visual goals.
Standard Monofocal
Excellent distance vision. Reading glasses typically still needed.
Best for: Patients happy to wear reading glasses
- Sharp distance vision
- Proven technology
- Most affordable option
Toric Lens
Corrects astigmatism alongside cataract removal for clearer vision.
Best for: Patients with astigmatism
- Corrects astigmatism
- Sharper overall vision
- Reduced glasses dependence
Multifocal Lens
Multiple focal points for distance and near vision without glasses.
Best for: Active patients wanting reading freedom
- Distance and near vision
- Reading independence
- Active lifestyle friendly
EDOF Lens
Extended depth of focus for continuous vision range with minimal glare.
Best for: Drivers and computer users
- Continuous vision range
- Lower glare risk
- Good for driving
Interactive Tool
See the Difference
Compare how different eye conditions and lens options affect night driving. Drag the slider to explore each lens outcome.
Night Vision Simulator
Compare how different eye conditions and lens options affect night driving vision.
Lens outcome (right image)
Disclaimer: This simulator provides a general representation of how different lens options may affect vision. Results are illustrative and may not exactly replicate what you will see after surgery. Individual outcomes vary based on eye health, lens selection, and other factors. Please discuss your specific situation with Miss Menassa during your consultation.
Your Procedure Journey
What to expect at every step of your cataract surgery
Pre-operative Assessment
Comprehensive eye measurements and ocular surface optimisation to ensure accurate lens selection.
Day of Surgery
Arrive at Spire Liverpool, receive dilating drops, and be prepared for your procedure.
The Procedure
The procedure typically takes 15-20 minutes. Most patients experience minimal discomfort thanks to local anaesthetic drops and advanced ultrasound technology (phacoemulsification).
Recovery & Follow-up
Go home the same day with eye drops. Most patients see clearly within 24-48 hours.
Complex and Dense Cataracts
Not all cataracts are equal. Dense or mature cataracts — where the lens has become very hard, white, or brown — present additional surgical challenges that require specialist expertise. These cataracts are more difficult to break up during phacoemulsification, require more ultrasound energy, and carry higher risks of complications such as capsule rupture if handled by less experienced surgeons.
Miss Menassa regularly manages complex cataract cases at St Paul's Eye Unit, including dense and mature cataracts, cataracts in patients with previous eye surgery, small pupils, weak zonules, and other anatomical challenges. Her consultant-led approach means these difficult cases are never delegated to trainees — she performs every step of the procedure personally, adapting her surgical technique to each patient's specific anatomy.
If you have been told your cataract is "too dense" or "complex" for standard surgery, or if you have had previous eye surgery that complicates cataract removal, a consultation with Miss Menassa can determine the safest and most effective surgical approach for your individual situation.
Pricing
Cataract Surgery
From £2,750
per eye
Includes 2 post-operative follow-up visits
- • Surgery at Spire Liverpool
- • Standard monofocal lens
- • Two post-operative follow-up appointments
Cataract Surgery with Premium IOL
From £3,200
per eye
Includes 2 post-operative follow-up visits
- • Surgery at Spire Liverpool
- • Premium lens tailored to your lifestyle
- • Two post-operative follow-up appointments
Finance options available. Insurance may cover part or all costs.
Cataract Surgery FAQs
This depends on the lens you choose. With a standard monofocal lens, you'll likely need reading glasses. Premium lenses like multifocal or EDOF can significantly reduce or eliminate glasses dependence for most activities.
No. The surgery is performed under local anaesthetic drops, so you won't feel pain. You may feel some pressure or see lights, but the procedure is comfortable for the vast majority of patients.
Most patients notice improved vision within 24-48 hours. You can return to most normal activities quickly, though you should avoid swimming and heavy lifting for 2-4 weeks. Full visual stabilisation takes 4-6 weeks.
While it's technically possible, we typically operate on one eye at a time, usually 1-2 weeks apart. This allows us to assess the first eye's result and optimise the second procedure.
Clinical evidence shows cataract surgery is one of the safest surgical procedures performed, with a success rate over 98% in most cases. Rare risks include infection, bleeding, and retinal detachment. Miss Menassa will discuss all risks and what to expect during your consultation.
Age alone is not a barrier to cataract surgery. Many patients in their 80s and 90s have successful procedures. Overall health and the impact of cataracts on your quality of life are more important factors.
Ready to See Clearly?
Book a consultation to discuss your cataract surgery options with Miss Menassa. She'll assess your eyes, discuss lens options, explain what to expect, and create a personalised treatment plan.