The Apthera IC-8 is a premium small-aperture intraocular lens (IOL) implanted during routine cataract surgery to give a continuous range of vision — near, intermediate and distance — from a single lens. At our partner clinics an all-inclusive IC-8 package starts from £4,500 per eye (around £3,200 above a standard monofocal). Surgery is a 15–25 minute day-case procedure under anaesthetic drops, and the lens is especially suited to patients with irregular corneas or mild astigmatism who are not ideal candidates for a multifocal lens.
What is the Apthera IC-8 lens?
The Apthera IC-8 works on the same principle as a pinhole camera. A tiny opaque ring with a 1.36mm central aperture sits inside the lens, allowing only the most accurately focused, central light rays to reach the retina while blocking the unfocused peripheral rays that blur vision. This small-aperture (pinhole) effect stretches the eye's depth of focus, so a single lens can provide functional vision across a wide range of distances.
Because it filters out distorted light, the IC-8 is uniquely tolerant of optical imperfections that defeat other premium lenses — mild residual astigmatism, irregular corneas, and the altered optics seen after LASIK, PRK or radial keratotomy. It is part of our full range of implant lens options and is usually combined with a monofocal or EDOF lens in the other eye for balanced vision.
Who is the IC-8 Apthera best for?
Choosing the right intraocular lens is the most important decision in cataract surgery. The IC-8 occupies a distinct niche — spectacle independence for patients whose eyes are not suited to diffractive multifocal lenses. Your consultant will confirm whether it is the best match for your eyes during a detailed assessment.
Not sure which lens fits your eyes and lifestyle? Our guide to trifocal vs EDOF lenses explains the trade-offs, or see the full cataract surgery overview. For patients without a cataract who want lens-based vision correction, refractive lens exchange uses the same lenses.
Have an irregular cornea or previous laser surgery? The IC-8 Apthera is often the lens that finally makes spectacle independence possible. Book an assessment to find out if you are a candidate.
Book a lens assessmentWhat happens during IC-8 cataract surgery
IC-8 implantation is performed during standard phacoemulsification cataract surgery 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 that seals itself without stitches.
- Phacoemulsification gently breaks up and removes the cloudy natural lens with an ultrasound probe.
- The folded Apthera IC-8 lens is inserted through the same incision, where it unfolds and is centred precisely so the pinhole sits over your visual axis.
- 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 the brain adapts to the small-aperture optics over the following weeks. Here's what to expect:
Day of surgery
Vision is hazy for a few hours. Eye shield worn for 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 as you neuro-adapt to the extended range. Eye drops continue.
Beyond a month
Final vision is settled with a comfortable, continuous range. Second eye scheduled if both are being treated.
Cost & insurance
Our IC-8 Apthera pricing is all-inclusive: consultation, biometry, the surgery itself, theatre and hospital fees, the premium lens, post-op drops and follow-up reviews. There are no hidden extras.
- Self-pay: all-inclusive IC-8 package from £4,500 per eye — around £3,200 as an upgrade above a standard monofocal package. Compare every lens on our implant lens prices page.
- Insurance: recognised by Bupa, AXA, Aviva, Vitality, Cigna and WPA — we handle authorisation.
- Finance: 0% finance available, spreading the cost over 12 months.