A monofocal IOL costs from about £2,900 per eye and gives excellent vision at a single distance, so most people still wear reading glasses; a multifocal IOL costs around £4,300 per eye and is designed to give near, intermediate and distance vision with little or no reliance on glasses. EDOF (extended-depth-of-focus) lenses sit between the two at about £3,796 per eye. The right choice depends on your eyes, your lifestyle and how much you want to be free of glasses — a consultant assessment confirms what is realistic for you.
Monofocal vs multifocal: cost at a glance
As an all-inclusive 2026 self-pay guide at our partner clinics (consultation, biometry, surgery, lens and aftercare), per eye:
Toric versions, which also correct astigmatism, are available across all lens types from about £3,400 per eye — see toric IOLs for astigmatism. For the full national breakdown, see our cataract surgery cost page.
Monofocal IOLs: who they suit
A monofocal lens has a single point of focus. Most patients have it set for clear distance vision and use reading glasses for close work; a minority choose monovision (one eye for distance, one for near). Monofocals give the crispest, most contrast-rich image of any lens, with the fewest night-time halos — which is why they remain the workhorse of cataract surgery. They suit people who are happy to wear reading glasses, who drive a lot at night, or who want the most predictable, cost-effective result.
Multifocal IOLs: who they suit
A multifocal (including trifocal) lens splits incoming light to create more than one focal point, so the eye can focus near, intermediate and far. The reward is genuine spectacle independence for most everyday tasks. The trade-off is that some patients notice rings or haloes around lights at night and a small reduction in contrast, especially in the first few months as the brain adapts. They suit people whose priority is freedom from glasses for reading, screens and distance, and who do not do a great deal of night driving. If you do not yet have a cataract but want this freedom, the same lenses are used in refractive lens exchange.
Not sure which lens is right for your eyes and lifestyle? A consultant will measure your eyes and talk you through realistic outcomes.
Book a lens consultationHow to choose — and what affects the price
Your consultant bases the recommendation on your biometry measurements, the health of your macula and cornea, your astigmatism, your daily activities and your tolerance for night-vision effects. The cost difference between a monofocal and a multifocal reflects the lens technology itself, not the surgery, which is the same day-case cataract operation. Adding astigmatism correction (a toric lens) increases the price a little; both eyes are usually priced per eye. Explore the full range on our implant lens options page.