Private cataract surgery Cardiff

At Spire Cardiff Hospital, our team of ophthalmologists (eye specialists) can offer you cataract removal surgery and recommend lens options for you and your needs.

We offer fast access to diagnostic tests and scans and hassle-free booking with appointment times to suit you, so you don't have to wait long.

At Spire Cardiff Hospital, we offer a range of intraocular lenses. Your consultant will help you choose the best option for you. They include:

• Monofocal – corrects either short or long sight, with a choice of three focal points
• Toric – a monofocal lens that helps correct astigmatism (a problem with focusing)
• Multifocal – corrects both near and distance vision, like varifocal glasses

We also have special equipment which use a variety of biometry and refractive techniques to measure the shape and size of your eye. This is so your consultant can calculate the power of your intraocular lens implants.

You may still need to wear glasses afterwards, depending on your eyesight and your choice of lens.

Getting here

Spire Cardiff Hospital is located a short distance from Junction 30 of the M4 and is well signposted. Public transport options are available. We have free parking on-site for you and your visitors.

Your consultations

One of our experienced consultant ophthalmologists will offer you an initial consultation within a few days of your enquiry.

All your consultations will take place in one of our 21 consultation rooms. During your consultations, we'll:

• Ask about your medical history
• Carry out a series of tests, including a sight test and biometry testing – to calculate the power of the new intraocular lens (IOL) required
• Explain about the procedure, anaesthetic, the different types of IOLs available, and any potential cataract surgery complications and risks and how they may affect you
• Give you a chance to ask any questions you have about your treatment

When you come in for your operation, you’ll only be with us for a couple of hours, so you won’t need to bring much. However, you may need:

• Sunglasses or a hat to wear when leaving hospital as things may look bright afterwards
• Hearing aids if you wear them
• A change of shirt or top as a rinsing fluid is used during the procedure

If you’ve come with a friend or family member, they’re welcome to wait in our lounge or restaurant while you have your operation.

Here’s what will happen after you arrive for your cataract surgery:

• You’ll meet your surgery team and will be given eye drops to dilate your pupil and make it easier for your surgeon to see your lens
• You may be given a sedative to help you feel relaxed
• You’ll also be given a local anaesthetic, usually in the form of eye drops, so you won’t feel anything during the procedure
• Your surgeon will make a small incision in the front of your eye (cornea) and remove your clouded lens, using a process called phacoemulsification, which breaks the lens up into small fragments
• They’ll then insert your new intraocular lens

After your cataract surgery, you’ll be taken to a recovery room to relax until your surgeon says you’re ready to go home. This is usually a few hours after cataract surgery.

Although everybody’s different and you should always follow your consultant’s advice, here’s a typical recovery timeline for cataract surgery: