The Tecnis Symfony is a premium extended depth of focus (EDOF) intraocular lens from Johnson & Johnson, used in cataract surgery and refractive lens exchange. Unlike a standard monofocal lens with a single focal point, it stretches one elongated focus to deliver sharp distance and intermediate vision — ideal for driving, computer and dashboard work — with far fewer haloes and less glare than a traditional multifocal. In the UK in 2026 it costs from £3,796 per eye at our partner clinics, all-inclusive of consultation, biometry, surgery, the lens and aftercare. A toric version corrects astigmatism from £4,300 per eye.
What is the Tecnis Symfony EDOF lens?
The Tecnis Symfony is a single-piece acrylic intraocular lens that uses an achromatic diffractive design to extend the eye's depth of focus. Rather than splitting light into two or three fixed focal points like a bifocal or trifocal lens, it creates one continuous, elongated range of vision. The result is a natural transition from distance to arm's length with a quality of vision that most patients find very close to their pre-cataract eyesight.
It is one of the most widely implanted EDOF lenses worldwide and is CE-marked and routinely available in UK private ophthalmology. It suits patients who want to reduce their dependence on glasses for everyday tasks while keeping crisp, low-glare vision for night driving.
Benefits of the Symfony lens
- Continuous range of vision — sharp distance through to intermediate (around 66cm), with usable near vision
- Low incidence of halos and glare compared with diffractive multifocal lenses
- Excellent contrast sensitivity, including in dim light
- Reduced spectacle dependence for driving, screens and most daily activities
- Toric option to correct astigmatism at the same time
Most patients still keep a pair of reading glasses for very small print or prolonged close work. If total freedom from reading glasses is your priority, your surgeon may discuss a trifocal IOL instead — we explain the trade-offs in our guide to trifocal vs EDOF cataract lenses.
Wondering if the Symfony is right for your eyes? A consultation includes biometry scans and a personalised lens recommendation.
Book a lens consultationHow it compares
The Symfony sits in the premium EDOF category. Here is how the main lens types compare on price and vision:
Related options include the Tecnis Synergy (a continuous-range EDOF-multifocal hybrid) and the Tecnis PureSee refractive EDOF. For a full overview see our monofocal vs multifocal lens guide and the EDOF cataract lens cost guide.
The procedure
Implanting a Symfony lens uses the same day-case cataract technique as any premium IOL. Surgery takes 15 to 25 minutes per eye under local anaesthetic eye drops — you stay awake and feel only mild pressure.
- Biometry precisely measures your eye so the correct lens power is selected.
- Numbing drops are applied and a self-sealing 2.2–2.8mm incision is made.
- The natural lens is removed by phacoemulsification.
- The folded Tecnis Symfony IOL is inserted and centres in the capsular bag.
- You rest briefly and go home the same day.
The Symfony can also be used in refractive lens exchange for patients without cataracts who want to reduce their reliance on glasses. Treating a second eye? See our second-eye price.
Tecnis Symfony cost & payment
Our pricing is all-inclusive — consultation, biometry, surgery, theatre, the Symfony lens and aftercare, with no hidden extras:
- Self-pay: from £3,796 per eye (Symfony EDOF); £4,300 per eye for the toric version.
- Insurance: recognised by Bupa, AXA, Aviva, Vitality, Cigna and WPA — we handle authorisation.
- Finance: 0% over 12 months available.
See the full cataract surgery price guide or explore all implant lens options.