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Ophthalmology · Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery, done beautifully
Consultant-led, gentle and life-changing — clearer vision in around 15 minutes
Solasta Healthcare is a guiding light in ophthalmology patient care. We've built a world-class facility that combines the highest standards of safety and comfort with truly personalised treatment, delivered by some of the most experienced consultant surgeons — so you can see, and live, more clearly.
~15–20 minsper eye, day-case
No needlesgentle local anaesthetic drops
Consultant-ledexperienced eye surgeons
From £2,950per eye · see pricing
What is a cataract?
A cataract is a clouding of the eye's natural lens. The lens is normally clear, like glass — but over time (or sometimes through injury, medication or another eye condition), the proteins within it clump together.
This makes the lens cloudy, so light can't pass through properly, leaving vision blurred or hazy. For many people it feels like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window.
Most cataracts develop slowly and may not affect your sight at first — but over time, they will. The good news: cataract surgery is one of the safest, most effective and most transformative procedures in modern medicine.
Symptoms to look out for
Not everyone experiences the same symptoms, and they tend to progress gradually. If you notice any of these, it’s worth booking an eye assessment sooner rather than later.
Blurred or hazy visionThe most common early sign — like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window.
Glare and haloesTrouble with bright sunlight, or haloes around oncoming headlights when driving at night.
Dull, faded coloursColours can begin to look washed out or less vivid than they once did.
Difficulty with near visionReading and close-up tasks become harder, even with your usual glasses.
Frequent prescription changesNew glasses help at first, but soon stop improving your vision.
Poor night visionSeeing clearly in low light becomes increasingly difficult.
Living with worsening vision can bring anxiety and frustration — you don’t have to wait until it’s severe. Early assessment means more options and a smoother journey.
How cataracts are diagnosed
Cataracts are diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination with an optometrist or ophthalmologist. Using advanced imaging and diagnostics, we build a precise picture of your eyes and rule out other causes, so your treatment plan is tailored exactly to you.
Your assessment typically includes:
1Medical history and a discussion of your symptoms
2Visual acuity test to measure how clearly you see at different distances
3Slit-lamp examination to view the structures of your eye under magnification
4Retinal examination to assess the back of the eye and rule out other causes
5Refraction test to measure your prescription and any other visual needs
The treatment: gentle, precise, proven
For most people, the treatment of choice is phacoemulsification — a painless, minimally invasive procedure lasting around 15–20 minutes, in which the cloudy lens is replaced with a clear artificial lens (IOL).
1Your eye is numbed with anaesthetic drops — no needles, no injections
2Your surgeon makes a tiny incision at the surface of the eye
3Gentle ultrasound (phacoemulsification) softly breaks up and removes the cloudy lens
4A clear artificial lens (IOL) is placed where your natural lens used to sit
5The incision is so small it usually heals without stitches
You’re awake but completely comfortable throughout — your eye is numbed with drops, there are no needles, and your surgeon guides you gently through every step.
Your recovery, step by step
After surgery you'll rest briefly in our recovery area before heading home — you'll need someone to drive you. Most people notice improved vision quickly, and it continues to sharpen over the following days and weeks.
After around 3–4 days you can usually return to your normal activities. A little blurriness in the first days to weeks is completely normal as your eye settles.
Protecting your eye while it heals
✓Use your eye drops exactly as prescribed to promote healing
✓Wear your eye shield whenever you sleep
✓Try not to rub the eye
✓Keep water, dirt and dust out of the eye
✓Avoid strenuous activity, bending and heavy lifting on day one
✓Call your ophthalmologist promptly if you have pain or any loss of vision
Why choose Solasta
✓Experienced consultant ophthalmic surgeons
✓World-class surgical and diagnostic technology
✓Premium Alcon lenses, tailored to your lifestyle
✓A calm, modern, private clinic in Banbridge
✓Personalised, consultant-led care from start to finish
✓Cross-border patients warmly welcomed
Learn more about our surgeons, our technology and the patient journey.
Cataract surgery FAQs
Is cataract surgery painful?
No. The procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic using numbing eye drops, so your eye is completely numb. There are no needles or injections, and most people feel only mild pressure, if anything at all.
How long does the procedure take?
The surgery itself usually takes around 15 to 20 minutes per eye. You'll spend a little longer at the clinic for preparation beforehand and a short rest in recovery afterwards.
Will I be awake during surgery?
Yes — you'll be awake but your eye is fully numbed, so you won't feel pain. You may see soft light and movement, and your surgeon will talk you through each step to keep you relaxed.
How soon will I see better?
Most people notice clearer vision within a day or two. Vision continues to settle and sharpen over the following days to a few weeks as your eye adjusts to the new lens.
When can I drive again?
You'll need someone to drive you home on the day. Most people return to driving within a few days, once your vision meets the legal standard — your surgeon will advise based on your recovery.
Will I still need glasses afterwards?
It depends on the lens you choose. A standard lens gives excellent distance vision with glasses usually needed for reading, while advanced lens options can reduce or remove the need for glasses. We'll match the lens to your goals.
Can a cataract come back?
No — once removed, a cataract cannot return. Months or years later the lens capsule can cloud slightly (posterior capsule opacification), which is easily corrected with a quick, painless YAG laser procedure.
Can both eyes be treated?
Yes. Where both eyes have cataracts, they are usually treated as separate procedures, allowing the first eye to settle before the second. Your surgeon will plan the timing with you.
Start your cataract journey today
Book a consultation and let's see whether now is the right time for surgery. Clearer vision could be just weeks away.
Book a consultation Cross-border patientsThis page provides general information about cataracts and cataract surgery and is not personal medical advice. Suitability, outcomes and pricing are confirmed following a consultation and full assessment with your consultant. If you experience pain or sudden loss of vision after surgery, contact your ophthalmologist promptly.