Cataract surgery — replacing a clouded lens
Cataract
Care for cataract-related clouding of vision: the clouded natural lens is replaced with an intraocular lens. From THB 45,000 per eye. Call +66 81 556 9696.
Overview
A cataract is the clouding of the eye's natural lens with age, which makes vision hazy — like looking through frosted glass. Treatment removes the clouded lens and replaces it with an intraocular lens. This improves vision for most patients; results depend on the individual and on the eye's existing condition.
What to know before deciding
Signs worth an assessment
Vision that gradually clouds even after a new pair of glasses · glare or starbursts around lights when driving at night · colours looking faded or more yellow · needing brighter light to read · double vision in one eye. If any of these apply, an assessment can establish whether a cataract is the cause or whether something else is also involved.
Types of intraocular lens, and how to choose
A monofocal lens gives clear vision mainly at one distance; most people still use reading glasses. From THB 45,000 per eye · A multifocal or EDOF lens is designed for a wider range of distances, though some people notice more glare or halos at night. From THB 85,000 per eye · A toric lens is used where there is also astigmatism; it costs more than the standard lens and the exact figure follows your assessment. The choice depends on your eye, your daily life and what matters most to you. Our ophthalmology team will explain the trade-offs before you decide.
The procedure and aftercare
Before surgery, detailed measurements are taken to calculate the lens power. Afterwards, use the prescribed drops exactly as directed, do not rub the eye, and avoid dust, water in the eye and heavy lifting for the period specified. Attend every scheduled review. Contact us immediately if there is significant pain, a sudden drop in vision, or increasing redness.
Coverage and insurance
Many private health policies cover cataract surgery where it is medically indicated, usually subject to pre-authorisation and a physician's certificate. The upgrade cost of a premium lens (multifocal/EDOF/toric) is normally the patient's own responsibility (draft figures, pending ophthalmology sign-off). Thai universal coverage and social security schemes apply at your registered public facility rather than at a private clinic. Call +66 81 556 9696 and our team will check your specific cover with you.
Risks and limitations you should know
Cataract surgery is an intraocular procedure and carries risks including inflammation, changes in intraocular pressure, corneal swelling, and the rare but serious risk of intraocular infection. Some people still need glasses afterwards depending on the lens chosen, and where retinal or optic nerve disease is already present, vision may improve only partly. Our ophthalmology team will explain your specific case before you decide.
Scope of service
Assessment and follow-up take place at YOUNIFY Clinic in Silom. The procedure itself is performed by our own medical team at an affiliated hospital with a standard operating theatre and anaesthesia team — the team that assesses you is the team that operates and follows you up.
Assessment first
Is this procedure right for you?
A cataract is the clouding of the eye's natural lens with age, which makes vision hazy — like looking through frosted glass. Treatment removes the clouded lens and replaces it with an intraocular lens. This improves vision for most patients; results depend on the individual and on the eye's existing condition.
Not sure which option fits?Send us your current prescription and our medical team will tell you which assessment to book.Ask our medical team
Generally suitable for
- Vision has clouded enough to affect driving, reading or daily life
- New glasses no longer make vision clear again
- A cataract has been identified at an eye check and you want to hear the options
Not suitable for
- A prescription that is still changing
- Untreated severe dry eye, glaucoma, retinal disease or intraocular inflammation
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Medical conditions affecting wound healing — always tell our medical team first
If the assessment says no
We explain why plainly and set out the alternatives that do suit your eyes — considering an implantable lens instead of laser, for example, or treating an underlying condition first and reassessing afterwards.
Telling you what is not possible matters to us as much as performing the procedure itself.
Care Pathway
- Call or message us — describe the symptoms and any medical conditions.
- Full eye assessment — confirming the cataract and measuring for lens power.
- Consultation — choosing the lens type that suits your eye and daily life, with the full cost.
- Surgery day — as planned by our ophthalmology team, with someone to accompany you home.
- Follow-up — scheduled reviews to monitor healing, and a new glasses prescription when the time is right.
Price list
ProcedureStarting Thailand price (฿)Starting Thailand price (AUD)Standard Australia price (AUD)
Vision procedures
PRK (both eyes)42,500A$1,848A$4,500
FemtoLASIK (both eyes)69,000A$3,000A$5,500
ReLEx SMILE (both eyes)75,000A$3,261A$7,000
ICL implantable collamer lens (both eyes)160,000A$6,957A$14,000
Cataract surgery + monofocal lens (per eye)45,000A$1,957A$4,250
Cataract surgery + multifocal/EDOF lens (per eye)85,000A$3,696A$6,500
Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (per eye)89,000A$3,870—
Cataract surgery via phacoemulsification, excluding IOL (per eye)55,000A$2,391—
* Indicative prices for reference only. Final pricing depends on an individual assessment. Overseas prices are indicative market estimates for comparison only — contact our team for a personalized quote.
FAQ
Do I have to wait until the cataract is 'ripe'?
Current practice is guided mainly by the impact on daily life, so waiting until the lens is maximally clouded is not required. Our ophthalmology team will assess with you whether the timing is right.
Will my vision be as it once was?
Surgery improves vision for most patients, but the result depends on the individual and the eye's existing condition. Where retinal or optic nerve disease is also present, improvement may be partial.
Will I still need glasses?
It depends on the lens chosen. Most people with a monofocal lens still use reading glasses; multifocal/EDOF lenses are designed to reduce that dependence, with a trade-off of more glare at night for some.
Can both eyes be done at once?
Usually one eye is done at a time with an interval, so healing can be assessed first. Our ophthalmology team will set out the plan that suits you.
What does it cost?
From THB 45,000 per eye with a monofocal lens, and from THB 85,000 per eye with a multifocal/EDOF lens. These are starting prices and may change with your prescription, eye condition and care plan. Our medical team will assess you and confirm all costs before anything begins.
Is surgery possible for an older person with medical conditions?
It is assessed individually. Please tell us about all conditions and current medication — particularly blood thinners — so the medical team can plan safely.
Individual results may vary. Please consult a doctor before treatment.