Private presbyopia lens replacement surgery — refractive lens exchange with a presbyopia-correcting lens — costs from £2,800 per eye with an EDOF lens and £3,800–£5,000 per eye with a premium trifocal lens, with both eyes typically from £6,000. The price is all-inclusive of consultation, biometry, theatre, your intraocular lens and aftercare. It replaces the stiffening natural lens that causes presbyopia with a multifocal lens, restoring near, intermediate and distance vision in one procedure and removing the need for reading glasses — permanently, with no cataract ever forming afterwards.
Presbyopia and the cost of correcting it
Presbyopia is the age-related loss of near focus that makes almost everyone reach for reading glasses from their mid-40s. It happens because the natural lens gradually stiffens and can no longer change shape. Laser eye surgery does not fix presbyopia because it reshapes the cornea, not the lens — which is why lens replacement is the definitive solution for most people over 50. Read more about the condition at presbyopia.
The main factor in the price is the lens you choose. A premium trifocal lens gives the fullest freedom from glasses at all distances and sits at the top of the range; an EDOF lens costs less and gives excellent distance and intermediate vision with some near benefit. Your consultant recommends the best fit at your assessment.
| Lens type | From (per eye) | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| EDOF IOL | £2,800 | Distance + intermediate, some near |
| Trifocal IOL | £3,800–£5,000 | Full near, intermediate & distance |
| Both eyes (trifocal) | from £6,000 | Complete glasses freedom |
Could you be glasses-free? A consultation includes biometry scans and a full discussion of which presbyopia-correcting lens suits your eyes and lifestyle.
Book a consultationPresbyopia-correcting lens options
The lens is permanent, so choosing well matters. We offer the full premium range and match it to how you use your eyes day to day.
Compare the detail in our trifocal IOL cost guide, EDOF lens cost guide and monofocal vs multifocal comparison. See how lens surgery compares with laser in lens replacement vs laser over 50.
What happens during the procedure
Presbyopia lens replacement is performed under local anaesthetic eye drops as a day case, identical in technique to cataract surgery. Each eye takes 15 to 25 minutes and the two eyes are treated a week or two apart.
- Numbing drops are placed in your eye and the area is cleaned.
- A tiny 2.2–2.8mm self-sealing incision is made at the edge of the cornea.
- Phacoemulsification gently removes your stiffened natural lens.
- Your chosen presbyopia-correcting lens is folded, inserted and positioned.
- The eye is shielded and you rest briefly before going home.
Recovery week-by-week
Day of surgery
Vision hazy for a few hours. Eye shield the first night. Drops begin. No driving.
Days 1–3
Vision clears; near vision begins to work. Mild grittiness is normal.
Week 1
First review. Most patients return to work and driving. Second eye often treated now.
Weeks 2–6
The brain adapts to trifocal vision; reading becomes effortless and night halos settle.
Beyond 6 weeks
Vision settled — most patients are fully glasses-free.
What's included in your price
- Self-pay: from £2,800 per eye (EDOF); trifocal £3,800–£5,000 per eye; both eyes from £6,000.
- Insurance: presbyopia correction is elective and rarely covered by private medical insurance.
- Finance: 0% finance available — see our finance options.
This is the same operation as refractive lens exchange; the treatment overview is at refractive lens exchange. Prefer to keep your natural lens for now? Younger patients may consider PRESBYOND laser blended vision.