Cataract surgery in Copenhagen
Read about cataracts, the surgery, and prices at an eye doctor in Copenhagen.
Cataract surgery
Corrects your vision at a single distance
19,200 DKK per eye
Cataract Surgery with Premium Lenses
Corrects your vision at multiple distances
28,600 DKK per eye
What is cataract?
Cataracts are an eye condition in which the eye’s natural lens gradually loses its transparency. As the lens becomes cloudy, less light reaches the retina, and vision becomes blurred or hazy. Cataracts are the most common cause of vision impairment that cannot be corrected with glasses or contact lenses. They typically develop slowly over several years and can affect one or both eyes. In people over 65, cataracts often occur in both eyes, but not necessarily at the same time.
What causes cataracts?
For most people, cataracts develop as a natural part of the aging process in the eye’s lens. Age is the greatest risk factor, but smoking, prolonged UV exposure, diabetes, and eye injuries can also increase the risk. The lens consists of thin, transparent proteins, which over time can gradually become cloudy and thickened. This process often begins in the 50s, and many experience noticeable vision impairment from cataracts in their 60s to 70s.
Risk factors that can accelerate the development of cataracts:
- Diabetes
- Medical treatments, such as corticosteroids – even in small doses
- Eye injuries, where a blow or trauma can trigger cataracts
- Infections, where severe illnesses can accelerate the development of cataracts
- Inflammation of the iris (uveitis)
- Cancer treatments, particularly radiation therapy and chemotherapy, can cause cataracts as a side effect
- UV radiation and sunlight, which increase the risk of early onset
- Smoking, where cataracts typically develop earlier in smokers than in non-smokers
By understanding the causes of cataracts, it becomes easier to comprehend why they develop and why an early examination is important if you experience blurred vision, glare, or other signs of the condition.
Symptoms of cataracts
Cataracts develop gradually, and many people only notice symptoms when their vision begins to affect daily life. The symptoms can make it difficult to read, use a computer, move safely in traffic, or work in low light. For many patients, driving becomes particularly challenging due to glare and reduced contrast.
Typical symptoms include:
- Blurred or hazy vision – gradual cloudiness affecting both near and distance vision
- Glare – increased sensitivity to light, especially sunlight or headlights
- Color distortion – altered color perception with a yellowish/brownish tint.
- More frequent need to change glasses or prescription strength
- Double vision in one eye (less common)
The symptoms usually develop gradually or quickly over weeks to months. If you experience these symptoms, one of our ophthalmologists can quickly determine whether cataracts are the cause.
Treatment of cataracts
The only effective treatment for cataracts is surgery, where the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia using eye drops, typically takes 15–20 minutes per eye, and you can go home the same day.
Surgery is usually recommended only when vision noticeably affects quality of life – for example, if you have difficulty driving, reading, using a computer, or moving safely in daily life.
Before the surgery, a thorough eye examination is performed, assessing your vision, eyes, and individual needs. This allows us to select the type of lens that best suits you.
How is Cataract Surgery Performed?
- At least four days before the surgery, you should stop wearing contact lenses, and on the day of the procedure, avoid eye makeup.
- On the day of the surgery, you will receive pupil-dilating and anesthetic eye drops, as well as, if needed, a mild sedative.
- The surgery is performed while lying down. The cloudy lens is removed through a small incision and replaced with an artificial lens. The incision heals on its own without the need for stitches.
Possible lens types for surgery:
The choice of lens depends on your eyes, vision defects, and your preferences regarding freedom from glasses.
Read more about the different types of lenses here
After Surgery
It is normal to experience a gritty sensation, redness, or slight blurred vision in the first few days. Vision gradually becomes clearer over the following weeks.
Eye drops: You should use prescription eye drops several times daily for 3 weeks after the surgery.
After Surgery
It is normal to experience a gritty sensation, redness, or slight blurred vision in the first few days. Vision gradually becomes clearer over the following weeks.
Eye drops: You should use prescription eye drops several times daily for 3 weeks after the surgery.
What you should avoid during the first week:
- Rubbing your eyes
- Avoid getting water in your eyes (shower)
- Physical activities
- Eye makeup and eye cream
What you should avoid during the first two weeks:
- Go swimming in pools, hot tubs, or seawater/lake water
- Sauna
What you should avoid during the first four weeks:
- Contact sports
- Eyelash tinting
- Diving and water sports
Follow-up and safety
- A follow-up with the ophthalmologist should take place 1–6 weeks after the surgery.
- Contact an ophthalmologist immediately in case of severe pain, sudden redness, significant blurred vision, or nausea/vomiting.
Questions about cataracts
What does cataract mean?
The medical term is cataract. It is a condition where the eye’s lens becomes cloudy, so light can no longer pass through normally. This causes blurred vision, glare problems, and can lead to vision loss if left untreated. It is a common age-related change, but can also be caused by other factors such as diabetes, eye injuries, or certain medications.
How long should you stay at rest after cataract surgery?
After cataract surgery, you should take it easy for a few days. Avoid heavy lifting and bending forward too much. Avoid getting water in your eye for the first week. You must not swim for 1-2 weeks. Most people see better the day after and can resume light activities quickly. Complete healing takes 4-6 weeks. Use your eye drops as directed and attend follow-up appointments.
What is not allowed after cataract surgery?
After cataract surgery, there are some things you should avoid to protect your eye and ensure proper healing:
Avoid rubbing or pressing on the eye.
Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous physical activity for the first few days.
Avoid getting water, soap or shampoo in your eye for the first week.
Avoid swimming pools, saunas and lakes for 1-2 weeks.
Avoid dusty or smoky environments in the early days.
You can read, watch TV and go for walks as long as it feels comfortable.