Cataract surgery for clearer, brighter vision

During your free surgery assessment at Silmäasema, you can discuss your vision, expectations and treatment options with one of our eyecare experts. At the same time, you can ask questions about the surgery and recovery. We will explain the costs involved and financing options available.  

Book a free surgery assessment 

If you have a referral from an ophthalmologist for cataract surgery and have no preference for a special lens, you can also book your surgery directly. 

If you want to stop using glasses completely, you will need a preliminary examination before cataract surgery. The operating ophthalmologist will examine your eyes either on the day of surgery or in advance. 

Based on the results of the examination and your wishes, the ophthalmologist will recommend the most suitable treatment option and determine the strength of your artificial lens. It may be possible to reduce or limit your need for glasses, as the new intraocular lens can replace your existing near-, distance- or progressive glasses.  

Read more about the preliminary examination. 

On the day of surgery, you will spend 2–3 hours at the eye hospital. The procedure itself usually takes only 15–20 minutes.  

During the surgery, you will lie in a comfortable position while anaesthetic eyedrops are used, making the procedure virtually painless. The ophthalmologist performing the surgery will explain the key stages of the procedure. 

For the best surgical outcome, we recommend treating any dry eye symptoms before surgery. 

You can go home about an hour after the surgery is finished.  

Your vision will begin to improve immediately and become clearer over the following days. If you have any questions after the procedure, you will be provided with the direct phone number of the ophthalmologist who performed your surgery.  

Click here to view the home care instructions for cataract surgery. 

After cataract surgery, you may find yourself needing new glasses immediately, but we do not recommend purchasing them until the eye has healed. If needed, you can buy affordable temporary glasses from our store, with delivery in about 2–3 days. Any deposit paid for your glasses will be credited towards your final purchase after your post-operative follow-up examination. 

The follow-up examination is usually scheduled 4–6 weeks after surgery. This is usually conducted either by the ophthalmologist who performed the surgery or by the ophthalmologist who referred you for surgery.  

During the examination, your recovery and the success of the surgery will be assessed. All entries recorded in the patient information system are also transferred to MyKanta

The total cost of cataract surgery consists of the surgery, the follow-up examination, and the office and Kanta fees.  

If you are interested in vision-correcting speciality lenses, we recommend a separate preliminary examination before surgery. The cost of this examination is €200. 

Example calculation of the total cost of cataract surgery: 

• Surgery assessment: €0 
• Cataract surgery: from €1,495 per eye 
• Office and Kanta fee for the surgery: €28.90 
• Follow-up examination by the operating or referring ophthalmologist charged according to the ophthalmologist’s consultation fee (1–3 months): from €120; Kela reimbursement for the ophthalmologist's share €8 
• Office and Kanta fee for the ophthalmologist’s follow-up examination: €28.90 

Total: 

One eye from €1,664.80 

Both eyes from €3,159.80 

Cataract surgery is performed using numbing eye drops, making the procedure almost painless.

During cataract surgery, the eye's cloudy natural lens is removed and replaced with a clear artificial lens. If needed, the procedure can also correct long-sightedness, short-sightedness, astigmatism and presbyopia.

Cataracts progress differently from person to person. When they begin to affect your quality of life and make everyday activities, such as reading or driving, more difficult, it is worth considering surgery. In most cases, there is no medical benefit in delaying cataract surgery.

The procedure itself usually takes around 15–20 minutes.

Recovery is usually quick. Your vision often begins to improve on the day of surgery and continues to become clearer over the following days. Most people can return to their normal daily activities soon after the procedure, although the eye usually takes around 4–6 weeks to heal fully. During this time, it is important to follow your ophthalmologist's home care instructions and attend your follow-up examination.

Yes, it is possible. Standard cataract surgery can reduce your need for glasses, although many people will still need either reading or distance glasses afterwards.

If your goal is to reduce your dependence on glasses significantly or stop wearing them altogether, lens replacement surgery with a multifocal lens may be a suitable option. The procedure is technically similar to cataract surgery, but also corrects presbyopia and other refractive errors. During your preliminary examination, your ophthalmologist will recommend the lens option that best suits your vision needs.

No. Cataracts cannot return because the cloudy natural lens is removed during surgery. However, some people develop a secondary cataract years later. This can be treated quickly and effectively with a simple laser procedure.

Yes, if your ophthalmologist considers it safe and appropriate. For many people, operating on both eyes at the same time allows vision to stabilise more quickly and avoids the need for two separate procedures and recovery periods.

Yes. If you have been granted a service voucher for cataract surgery by the public healthcare system, you can choose Silmäasema as your treatment provider. With a service voucher, you can have your surgery quickly and choose the location and appointment time that suit you best.

The total cost of cataract surgery includes the procedure itself and the follow-up examination. Administrative and Kanta fees are added to the procedure and doctor appointments. If you are considering premium lenses to correct your vision, we recommend a fee-based preliminary examination before surgery.

Yes. Private cataract surgery at Silmäasema eye hospitals earns Bonus with S-Etukortti. You can earn up to €500 in Bonus per operated eye, up to a maximum of €1,000 for surgery on both eyes. Bonus is not available for cataract surgery performed with a service voucher.

You must not drive immediately after surgery. You can start driving again once your vision is good enough and your ophthalmologist confirms that it is safe to do so. Most people recover their vision quickly, but the timing varies from person to person.