Is laser cataract surgery worth the cost?

Cataracts can make your world look dim, blurry, or foggy. Cataract surgery helps restore your sight by replacing the cloudy lens in your eye with a clear, artificial one.

But if you’ve been exploring your options, you might have heard about laser cataract surgery—and wondered if it’s worth the extra cost.

The short answer? For many people, yes.

Many surgeons offer only standard cataract surgery. Sharmina Khan offers laser cataract surgery which adds precision, safety, and customisation to some of the steps in the first stages of cataract surgery which in turn reduces the time required to complete the second stages of the cataract surgery.

The laser steps of the surgery are very fast and take a few minutes and are painless.

It’s especially helpful if you want to reduce your need for glasses or have chosen a premium lens. Let’s walk through why it may be worth investing in.

What Is laser cataract surgery?

Sharmina Khan uses the Johnson & Johnson Catalys femto-laser platform Laser cataract surgery is a more advanced version of the traditional procedure. It uses a femtosecond laser to perform some of the most delicate steps in the surgery, including:

• Making a precise incisions in the cornea to reduce astigmatism
• Opening the lens capsule (where the cataract sits)
• Fragmenting the cataract so it’s easier to remove in the second stage of the procedure

These steps are usually done by a surgeon’s hand in standard surgery. With laser assistance, the procedure becomes more accurate and predictable.

How does it improve results?

The extra precision provided by the laser makes a difference—especially if you:

• Have astigmatism and need a toric lens to correct it
• Choose a multifocal or EDOF lens to reduce your need for glasses
• Want the most accurate positioning of the lens for optimal vision

By allowing the surgeon to tailor the procedure to your eye’s unique shape and size, laser surgery helps improve visual outcomes. That means sharper vision, a quicker recovery, and in many cases, greater freedom from glasses.

Is it safer than traditional surgery?

Both types of cataract surgery are very safe when performed by an experienced surgeon. But laser cataract surgery offers added safety in a few key ways:

• Gentler on the eye: The laser fragments the cataract, so less ultrasound energy is needed in the second stage of the surgery. This reduces inflammation inside the eye.
• Better circular opening on the lens capsule: The laser creates a circular opening on the lens capsule at precisely the diameter programmed in by your surgeon Sharmina Khan eg. 5.0 mm or 5.5mm.

• Improved lens alignment: Proper placement of the artificial lens is key to clear vision. The laser assists in making this more precise.

For these reasons, many surgeons prefer laser-assisted techniques when precision really matters.

What about cost?

Laser cataract surgery isn’t covered by the NHS. It’s offered privately, and the extra cost reflects the running of the advanced technology, planning, and expertise involved.

That said, it’s often bundled with premium lenses that allow you to see clearly at both distance and near—without always needing glasses.

While it’s a financial investment, many people feel the benefits are worth it—especially when it leads to better long-term results and greater independence from glasses.

Is it worth it? A few questions to ask yourself:

Ask yourself:

• Do you want the most accurate, customised version of cataract surgery?
• Do you want to reduce your need for glasses?
• Have you chosen a premium lens like a multifocal or toric lens?
• Are you looking for a safer, gentler approach to surgery?

If the answer is yes to any of these, laser cataract surgery is absolutely worth considering.

Final thoughts

Laser cataract surgery brings together the best of both worlds: modern technology and proven surgical success. It gives your surgeon more control, your eyes more protection, and your vision more potential.

If you’ve been told you need cataract surgery, or you’re starting to think about it, take the time to explore your options. Laser-assisted techniques may cost more—but they also give you more.

And if your goal is clear, dependable vision without the hassle of glasses, laser cataract surgery may be one of the best investments you’ll ever make.

Not sure if it's right for you? Start with our quick self-test. It’s the easiest way to take the first step.