0% Finance Options Available* | Be Seen Within Two Weeks
Your optometrist may have already spotted a cataract in your eye. Or, you may have noticed changes in your vision. These can include:
Recognise these symptoms? Contact us to book a consultation with an expert ophthalmologist.
Cloudy or blurry vision
Glare and halos
Difficulty driving at night
Faded colours
Frequent prescription changes
Noticed a change in your vision? Our ophthalmologists specialise in identifying and treating cataracts.
Understanding Cataracts
A cataract is a cloudy area that develops in the natural lens of your eye. This lens sits just behind the coloured part of your eye (the iris) and focuses light so you can see clearly.
When it becomes cloudy, less light gets through, and your vision can start to look blurred, hazy or dim. Many people say it feels like looking through a frosted window.
Why do cataracts develop?
For most people, cataracts are simply a natural part of getting older. Over time, the tiny proteins and fibres inside the lens begin to break down and clump together.
This often starts in your 40s or 50s, but it usually happens so gradually that you won't notice any change in your sight until your 60s or later.
Ageing isn't the only cause. Cataracts can sometimes develop more quickly, over a few weeks or months, after an eye injury. They can also be linked to health conditions such as diabetes.
Types of Cataracts
Nuclear Sclerotic Cataract
Most common, age-related. Begins at centre of the lens.
Cortical
Cataract
Radiates from edge inward. Linked with diabetes and UV exposure.
Posterior Subcapsular Cataract
Forms at the back of the lens. Associated with diabetes, steroids, radiation.
Treating
Cataracts
If a cataract is starting to affect your daily life, there’s no need to wait. Treating it sooner is often more straightforward and helps you get back to the things you enjoy as quickly as possible.
The reassuring news - cataracts are very common and highly treatable. At Sana, we specialise in treating all types of cataracts, including the most complex cases.
The consultant you meet at your first appointment will also carry out your surgery, and a member of our team will be with you every step of the way. The operation takes around 15 to 20 minutes per eye, and you’ll be able to go home the same day.
During the procedure, your consultant gently removes the cloudy lens and replaces it with a clear artificial lens, known as an intraocular lens (IOL). This new lens stays in place permanently, and many people notice brighter, sharper vision within just a few days.
Meet the Sana
Cataract Consultants
Yih-Horng Tham
(MBChB (Hons), FRCOphth)
Consultant Ophthalmologist
Bharati Vusirikala
(MBBS, MRCOphth, FRCOphth)
Consultant Ophthalmologist
David Janicek
(MUDr)
Consultant Ophthalmologist
Lens Choices that
Enable Your Lifestyle
Before your surgery, we'll talk you through the lens options available and help you choose the one that best suits your eyes and your lifestyle.
Learn more about our lens choices by downloading our cataract lens guide. Or discuss your options with a patient adviser by calling us on 0333 996 0999.
Lens options include:
Monofocal Lens: provides clear vision at a single focal point.
Extended Depth of Vision Lens: provides a continuous range of vision.
Multifocal or Trifocal Lens: provides a full range of vision from near, to far distance.
Rayner Galaxy IOL: the next generation lens that optimises visual performance and quality.
Our Cataract
Patient Outcomes
We recently carried out a full audit of our cataract surgery outcomes to monitor quality and safety. Over this period, at our Swansea Eye Hospital, 439 cataract operations were performed, with a complication-free rate of 100%, significantly higher than the national average of 98.9%
This means all surgeries were completed without posterior capsule rupture (PCR), a common complication during cataract surgery.
The results show that the vast majority of procedures were completed without complications, highlighting the centre’s high standards of surgical care, advanced techniques, and strong commitment to patient outcomes.
439
Cataract Operations
100%
Centre Complication-Free Rate
Vs 98.9% National Average
All procedures require an initial consultation with your consultant, this is charged at £250.
This appointment gives you the opportunity to discuss your symptoms, treatment options and suitability for surgery directly with one of our specialist eye surgeons. Your consultant will carry out a thorough assessment and explain the most appropriate options, including any benefits, risks and expected outcomes.
You do not need a referral from an optician or GP to book a consultation with us.
*prices can change according to premium lens choice.
0% Finance Options Now Available*
We believe that exceptional eye care should be within everyone's reach. That’s why we’ve partnered with Chrysalis Finance to offer tailored, flexible payment plans across a range of our treatments.
Spreading the cost makes our specialist, consultant-led care simpler and more accessible than ever before.
Accessing expert eye care has never been easier. Discover our finance calculator by clicking the link below.
*Terms and Conditions apply. Sana Private Health is an Appointed Representative of Chrysalis Finance Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Sana Private Health is a credit broker, not a lender.
Step 4
Recovery & Aftercare
Recovery is usually quick and straightforward. Our team will give you everything you need to care for your eyes at home and ensure your vision returns safely.
Expect full recovery within 4–6 weeks
Use eye drops, avoid water and swimming for a short time
You can’t drive until your vision meets DVLA standards
Step 3
The Surgery
Cataract surgery is a day-case procedure. The operation takes 15–20 minutes; expect to be with us for around 1–2 hours. You’ll go home the same day, no overnight stay needed.
The cloudy lens is removed using ultrasound
A clear, artificial lens is inserted
You'll need someone to take you home afterward
Step 2
Before Your
Surgery (Pre-Op)
Before your procedure, we’ll carry out a detailed assessment to check your vision, measure your eyes, and help you choose the right lens for your lifestyle.
A friendly consultation with your ophthalmologist
Measurements taken to prepare for surgery
We'll answer any questions and explain everything clearly
Step 1
Deciding to
Have Surgery
Cataracts can develop gradually, and many people wait until their vision noticeably affects daily life. Surgery is the only effective treatment — and the good news is, it's safe, quick, and life-enhancing.
You can choose to have surgery at any stage of cataract development
Most patients opt for it when vision starts interfering with daily activities
Our team will talk you through your options and what to expect
Your Journey Through Cataract Care
From making the decision to full recovery, here’s what you can expect when you choose Sana for cataract surgery.
Ready to take
the next step?
Talk to our ophthalmology team today about cataract surgery and how we can help restore your vision.
Call Us
Most people find cataract surgery much more comfortable than they expected. We use local anaesthetic eye drops to numb your eye, so you shouldn't feel any pain during the procedure.
You may notice some light pressure or bright lights, and your eye might feel a little gritty or sensitive for a few days afterwards. This usually settles quickly.
Many people notice clearer vision within a few days, although full recovery usually takes around four to six weeks.
You'll need to use eye drops for a few weeks and avoid swimming, heavy lifting and rubbing your eye while it heals. Your consultant will give you clear aftercare advice and let you know when it's safe to drive again.
This depends on the type of lens you choose and the health of your eyes. With a standard lens, many people see well at a distance but still need glasses for reading. Some premium lenses can reduce your need for glasses at more than one distance.
We'll talk through the options with you so you can choose what suits your lifestyle.
In most cases, we treat one eye at a time, usually a few weeks apart. This allows your first eye to heal and helps your consultant plan the best result for your second eye. Your consultant will discuss the right approach for you at your consultation.
Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most common operations, and serious complications are rare. As with any surgery, there are some risks, such as infection, inflammation or raised eye pressure.
Some people also develop clouding behind the new lens months or years later, which can be treated with a quick laser procedure. Your consultant will explain the risks clearly and answer any questions before you decide to go ahead.
Yes, most private health insurance policies cover cataract surgery. Your insurance will usually pay for surgery with a standard monofocal lens. If you choose a premium lens, such as an extended depth of focus or multifocal lens, you’ll need to pay the difference yourself.
Sana Private Health is proud to be the preferred provider of cataract surgery for AXA Health patients across the Swansea and Bridgend areas.
Whoever your insurer is, we recommend checking your policy and getting pre-authorisation before your consultation. Our team is happy to help with this.
Learn more about using your health insurance for cataract surgery on our ways to pay page.
Cataract Surgery FAQs
Cataract Surgery in Swansea and Bridgend
Our hospitals in Swansea and Bridgend are purpose built for eye treatments like cataract surgery. We welcome patients from across South Wales.
Cataracts can cloud more than just your eyesight - they can affect how you live your life. At Sana Private Health, both our Bridgend and Swansea hospitals are Cataract Centres of Excellence.
Here, we offer safe, effective cataract surgery with expert care and support at every stage.
Cataract
Surgery
Call Us
