Implant lenses — also called intraocular lenses (IOLs) — are the clear artificial lenses placed permanently inside the eye during cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange. There are four families: monofocal, toric, multifocal/trifocal and EDOF. At our partner clinics, implant lens surgery starts from £2,900 per eye for a monofocal lens, £3,796 for EDOF and £4,300 for a multifocal/trifocal lens, all-inclusive. Your consultant recommends the lens that matches your eye measurements and how you use your vision.
What are implant lenses (IOLs)?
An intraocular lens is a clear, medical-grade lens that replaces your eye's natural lens and focuses light precisely onto the retina. It is the same optical component used the world over in cataract surgery — over 450,000 IOLs are implanted in the UK every year. Once the cloudy or ageing natural lens is removed, the IOL takes its place inside the lens capsule, where it stays permanently.
IOLs are fitted in two situations: during cataract surgery, to restore vision lost to a clouded lens; and during refractive lens exchange, to reduce dependence on glasses in people who do not yet have cataracts. (They are different from the ICL, a phakic lens added in front of your natural lens for high myopia.)
What can the right IOL achieve?
- Crisp distance vision for driving and television
- Freedom from reading glasses with multifocal, trifocal or EDOF designs
- Astigmatism correction built into a toric lens
- Clear intermediate vision for screens and dashboards (EDOF)
- A permanent result — the lens never clouds and you cannot develop a cataract in that eye
Not sure which lens suits you? A consultation with biometry scans matches the right IOL to your eyes and lifestyle — no sales pressure.
Discuss my lens optionsImplant lens (IOL) options
Choosing the right intraocular lens is the most important decision in lens surgery. The lens is permanent, so the choice determines how well you'll see — and at what distances — for life. We offer the full premium range; your consultant recommends the best option for your eye anatomy and the way you use your vision.
Toric versions (which correct astigmatism) are available across all lens types from £3,400 per eye. Brand options include Alcon AcrySof, Johnson & Johnson Tecnis, Zeiss and Rayner. If you would like a lens that can be fine-tuned after surgery, ask about the Light Adjustable Lens.
How implant lenses are fitted
The IOL is implanted during a short day-case operation under local anaesthetic eye drops. You stay awake but feel no pain — only mild pressure and light. The procedure takes 15 to 25 minutes per eye.
- Numbing drops are placed in your eye and the surrounding skin is cleaned with sterile solution.
- The surgeon makes a tiny 2.2–2.8mm incision at the edge of the cornea — small enough to seal itself without stitches.
- The natural lens is removed by phacoemulsification, a fine ultrasound probe that gently breaks it up.
- Your chosen intraocular lens is folded and inserted through the same incision, where it unfolds and locks into the lens capsule.
- The eye is shielded and you rest for 30–60 minutes before going home.
Recovery week-by-week
Most patients notice clearer vision within hours, but full healing — and full adaptation to a premium lens — takes about a month.
Day of surgery
Vision is hazy for a few hours. Eye shield worn the first night. No driving or heavy lifting. Eye drops begin.
Days 1–3
Vision begins to clear. Mild grittiness or watering is normal. Most return to gentle activities and reading.
Week 1
First post-op review. Most patients are back to driving and working. No swimming or eye rubbing yet.
Weeks 2–4
Vision continues to refine. With multifocal/EDOF lenses the brain adapts and night halos settle. New glasses (if any) at week 4–6.
Beyond a month
Final vision is settled. Most patients describe clarity — and glasses freedom — they have not had in years.
Cost & insurance
Our implant lens prices are all-inclusive: consultation, biometry, the surgery itself, theatre and hospital fees, your IOL of choice, post-op drops, and follow-up reviews. There are no hidden extras.
- Self-pay: from £2,900 per eye (monofocal); £3,796 EDOF; £4,300 multifocal/trifocal; toric from £3,400.
- Insurance: cataract IOL surgery is recognised by Bupa, AXA, Aviva, Vitality, Cigna and WPA. We handle authorisation.
- Finance: 0% for 12 months — approximately £242/month for monofocal, £358/month for multifocal.
For a full breakdown see our implant lens price guide or cataract surgery prices.