Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery in Turkey: quick, sight-restoring lens replacement at lower cost — with a real lens choice.
- От
- 1 200 €
- Обычный срок пребывания
- 3-5 days
Цены являются ориентировочными и подтверждаются после индивидуальной консультации.
Полное руководство по специальности
A cataract is a clouding of the eye's natural lens that blurs vision, dulls colours and worsens glare — a normal part of ageing for many people. Cataract surgery to remove it is one of the most commonly performed and well-understood operations in the world. In Turkey, experienced high-volume eye clinics offer it at noticeably lower prices than the UK, often with a wider choice of premium lens included in the conversation.
What is cataract surgery and how does it work?
During cataract surgery, the surgeon removes the clouded natural lens and replaces it with a clear artificial intraocular lens (IOL). The usual method, phacoemulsification, uses ultrasound to gently break up the cataract through a tiny incision, then inserts the folded IOL, which unfolds inside the eye. The procedure is typically done under local anaesthetic drops, one eye at a time, and usually takes around 15–30 minutes per eye.
Your intraocular lens (IOL) options
| Lens type | What it offers | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Monofocal | Clear vision at one distance (usually far) | Reading glasses still needed; widely used and reliable |
| Toric | Corrects astigmatism at one distance | Reduces glasses for astigmatism; still monofocal focus |
| Multifocal / trifocal | Near, intermediate and distance focus | Can reduce glasses use but may cause halos and glare |
| Extended depth of focus | Distance to intermediate, smoother transitions | Fewer halos than trifocal, but less near focus |
The 'best' lens depends on your eyes, lifestyle and tolerance of night-time glare — not on price alone.
Who needs cataract surgery?
- People whose cataract is affecting daily life — reading, driving, glare or recognising faces
- Those whose vision can no longer be corrected adequately with glasses
- Patients advised by an ophthalmologist that the cataract is mature enough to treat
- People who understand cataract surgery is usually medically indicated, unlike purely elective laser
- Eyes otherwise suitable, with any other conditions (glaucoma, retinal disease) properly assessed first
- Those ready to discuss which IOL type best fits their vision goals and glare tolerance
The cataract procedure, step by step
Full eye assessment and biometry
Precise scans measure your eye to calculate the correct IOL power, and any other eye conditions are checked.
Choosing your lens
You and your surgeon decide between monofocal, toric, multifocal or extended-depth-of-focus lenses based on your goals.
Numbing the eye
Anaesthetic drops (sometimes a small injection) numb the eye. You stay awake but feel no pain, only light and mild pressure.
Removing the cataract
Through a tiny incision, ultrasound breaks up the cloudy lens and it is gently removed.
Inserting the IOL
The folded clear lens is placed into the eye, where it unfolds and settles into position.
Recovery and checks
The incision usually self-seals. After a short rest and a check, you return to your accommodation with a shield and drops.
Recovery timeline
Day 0
Surgery day
Vision is blurry and the eye may feel gritty or watery. Wear the protective shield, use your drops and avoid rubbing the eye.
Day 1
First follow-up
An important post-operative check confirms the eye is healing well. Many patients already notice brighter, clearer vision and more vivid colours.
Days 2–7
Early healing
Vision continues to clear. Avoid heavy lifting, swimming and dusty or dirty environments; keep to your drop schedule.
Weeks 1–4
Settling
Vision stabilises and any grittiness fades. If the second eye is being treated, it is usually scheduled within this period.
Weeks 4–6
Final vision
Vision is typically stable, and your final glasses prescription (if any) can be checked.
Results and how long they last
Cataract surgery usually restores clear vision very effectively, and most patients notice brighter, sharper sight soon after healing. The result is permanent in the sense that a cataract cannot return — the natural lens is gone. Some people later develop a harmless clouding of the membrane behind the lens (posterior capsule opacification), which is easily treated with a quick laser in clinic. Depending on your IOL choice, you may still need glasses for some tasks; this should be discussed openly beforehand.
Cost of cataract surgery in Turkey and what's included
Cataract surgery is usually priced per eye. In Turkey, headline prices typically run from €1,200 to €3,000 per eye, with the main variable being the type of IOL: standard monofocal lenses sit at the lower end, premium multifocal or toric lenses at the higher end. Turkey is more affordable due to lower operating costs, exchange rates and high case volumes — not inferior lenses or equipment, which are internationally recognised brands.
| Item | Typical range (per eye) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cataract surgery, monofocal IOL | €1,200–€1,800 | Clear vision at one distance |
| With toric (astigmatism) IOL | €1,800–€2,400 | Corrects astigmatism |
| With multifocal / trifocal IOL | €2,200–€3,000 | Reduces glasses; possible halos |
| Scans, drops & follow-ups | Often included | Confirm what the price covers |
Confirm the IOL type included, and whether the quote is per eye or for both eyes.
€1,200–€3,000
Typical price per eye, by lens type
15–30 min
Approximate surgery time per eye
3–5 days
Suggested stay in Turkey
Choosing a clinic safely
- Confirm surgery is performed by an experienced ophthalmic surgeon, and ask about their cataract case volume
- Make sure the exact IOL type and brand are specified in your quote
- Clarify whether the price is per eye or for both eyes
- Insist on proper pre-operative biometry and eye-health checks, including glaucoma and retina
- Ensure the clinic will complete your post-operative follow-up before you fly home
- Ask whether follow-up care and treatment of any complications are included
Red flag: pushed toward a premium lens you did not ask for
A premium multifocal lens is not automatically better for every eye — for some patients a monofocal lens gives cleaner, glare-free vision. Be cautious if a clinic steers you toward the most expensive IOL without explaining the trade-offs, or downplays night-time halos and glare. Existing conditions like glaucoma or retinal disease must be assessed first; a trustworthy surgeon tailors the lens to your eye, not to the invoice.
Medical disclaimer
This guide is general information, not medical advice. Whether you need cataract surgery, and which lens is right for you, can only be decided by a qualified ophthalmologist after an in-person examination of your specific eyes. Always seek an individual assessment before treatment.
Cataract surgery restores sight reliably when it is done for the right reason and with the right lens for that patient. Clear counselling about lens choice matters as much as the surgery itself.
— WhichClinic Medical Team
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