Quick answer: The cost of cataract surgery depends mainly on the type of lens implant. In my practice, cataract surgery costs from about EGP 25,000 to EGP 75,000 per eye. A standard monofocal lens is at the start of the range; enhanced monofocal and mini-EDOF lenses cost slightly more, toric lenses for astigmatism more again, and EDOF, trifocal and mix-and-match options are the most expensive, up to about EGP 75,000 per eye. The price includes local anaesthesia and one month of follow-up after surgery. All the lens implants I use are from established American and European manufacturers.
Key Takeaways
- The lens implant is the main factor in the price of cataract surgery.
- All lens implants are from established American and European manufacturers.
- The cost ranges from about EGP 25,000 per eye with a standard monofocal lens up to about EGP 75,000 per eye with premium lenses such as trifocals.
- The price includes local anaesthesia and post-operative follow-up for one month.
- A more expensive lens is not automatically a better lens; the right lens is the one that suits your eye.
- Your exact price is confirmed after your examination and lens choice.
How Much Does Cataract Surgery Cost?
Cataract surgery costs from about EGP 25,000 to EGP 75,000 per eye. A standard monofocal lens starts from about EGP 25,000 per eye, and premium lenses such as trifocals can cost up to about EGP 75,000 per eye. The final price depends on the lens you choose, and it is confirmed after a full examination, when we know which lenses suit your eye. Because lens prices can change with supply and the exchange rate, I give each patient a clear written quote before surgery.
How Does the Lens Type Change the Price?
Whatever your budget, every lens I implant comes from an established American or European manufacturer, including Alcon, Johnson & Johnson (Tecnis), Bausch + Lomb, BVI, SIFI (Italy) and Cristalens (France). The difference in price reflects the lens design and what it can do, not a difference in quality standards.
| Lens category | What it gives you | Relative cost |
|---|---|---|
| Monofocal | Clear vision at one distance, usually far; reading glasses needed | Starting price (from about EGP 25,000 per eye) |
| Enhanced monofocal (monofocal plus) and mini-EDOF | Clear distance with a little more intermediate vision | Slightly higher |
| Toric (for astigmatism) | Corrects corneal astigmatism at the same time | Higher |
| EDOF | Distance and intermediate, with some near; slightly fewer halos than trifocal | Among the highest |
| Trifocal | Distance, intermediate and near; aims to reduce dependence on glasses | Among the highest (up to about EGP 75,000 per eye) |
| Mix-and-match (EDOF in one eye, trifocal in the other) | Combines the strengths of both designs | Among the highest |
Most of these lenses also come in a toric version for astigmatism, which adds to the cost. Read how to choose the right lens implant for the details of each design.
What Does the Price Include?
The price includes the surgery, the lens implant, local anaesthesia and post-operative follow-up for one month, which covers the visits in which I check the eye pressure, the healing, the position of the lens and your vision. Extra treatments that some eyes need, such as injections inside the eye for diabetic retinal disease, stitches, or general anaesthesia, can add to the cost and are discussed with you in advance. Ask us what your quote includes before you book, so there are no surprises.
Is a More Expensive Lens Always Better?
No. A more expensive lens is not automatically better. EDOF and trifocal lenses can reduce dependence on glasses, but they are not suitable for every eye: macular disease, glaucoma, an irregular cornea or significant dry eye can make a monofocal lens the better choice. Equally, a monofocal lens is a safe, excellent option that gives very clear vision for many patients. I recommend the lens that fits your eye and the way you use your vision, not the most expensive one.
Does Laser Cataract Surgery Cost More, and Is It Better?
Laser-assisted cataract surgery costs more, but it has not been shown to give better results. The FEMCAT trial, published in The Lancet in 2020, found it was not superior to standard phaco surgery. The laser does not remove the cataract; phaco is still needed. I do not use it routinely, and if a patient specifically asks for it, it can be arranged at another centre.
What Else Can Affect the Cost?
- A complex eye: for example a very dense cataract, weak lens support or a small pupil, which may need special devices during surgery
- Other eye conditions that need treatment before or during surgery
- Injections inside the eye: for example in diabetic patients who need treatment for retinal swelling
- Stitches, if an incision needs extra support
- General anaesthesia: local anaesthesia is included in the price; general anaesthesia, when needed, may add to the cost
Does Insurance Cover Cataract Surgery?
Cataract surgery is a medical procedure, and some insurance policies cover part or all of the basic operation. Coverage of premium lenses varies. Check with your insurer before surgery what is covered: the operation, the lens and follow-up.
How Do I Get My Exact Price?
Book a cataract assessment. I examine the whole eye, take precise measurements with the ZEISS IOLMaster 700 and corneal imaging, discuss which lenses suit you, and the team gives you a clear quote for your chosen lens. Surgery is performed at the main Sayyad Eye Center branch in Mohandeseen. Read the complete guide to cataract surgery and when cataract surgery is needed.
Where Does Dr. Fouad El Sayyad See Patients?
- Sayyad Eye Center, Mohandeseen (main branch, where cataract surgery is performed): 3A Gameat El Dowal El Arabeya St., Sphinx Square.
- Sayyad Eye Center, New Cairo: Medical Park 2, opposite New Cairo Court.
To book an appointment with Dr. Fouad El Sayyad, call or WhatsApp 01000088168.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of cataract surgery?
In my practice, cataract surgery costs from about EGP 25,000 per eye with a standard monofocal lens up to about EGP 75,000 per eye with premium lenses such as trifocals. The price depends on the lens type, and your exact price is confirmed after your examination.
Are multifocal lenses suitable for everyone?
No. EDOF and trifocal lenses need a healthy retina, a regular cornea and a healthy ocular surface. They are not recommended for some eyes, such as those with macular disease or advanced glaucoma.
Will I need glasses after cataract surgery?
That depends on the lens. With a monofocal lens, most patients need reading glasses. EDOF, trifocal and mix-and-match options reduce dependence on glasses, but none guarantees freedom from them.
Is cataract surgery painful?
No. Surgery is done under a local block or numbing drops, sometimes with mild sedation. You may feel light pressure, but pain is not expected.
Is laser necessary for cataract surgery?
No. Standard phaco surgery gives excellent results, and large trials found that laser-assisted surgery is not superior. The laser does not remove the cataract on its own.
Does the price include follow-up?
Yes. The price includes local anaesthesia and post-operative follow-up for one month, covering the visits that check the eye pressure, healing, lens position and vision.
Can both eyes be operated on the same day?
I operate on one eye at a time. The second eye is usually done within a few days to a week, once the first eye has settled.
Why is a toric lens more expensive?
A toric lens corrects astigmatism as well as replacing the cataract. It needs extra measurements and careful alignment during surgery, and the lens itself costs more.
This article is for general education and does not replace an eye examination. Treatment decisions depend on your own eye assessment.
References
- Miller KM, Oetting TA, Tweeten JP, et al. Cataract in the Adult Eye Preferred Practice Pattern. Ophthalmology. 2022;129(1):P1–P126.
- Schweitzer C, Brezin A, Cochener B, et al. Femtosecond laser-assisted versus phacoemulsification cataract surgery (FEMCAT): a multicentre randomised trial. Lancet. 2020;395(10219):212–224.
- Chen SP, Woreta F, Chang DF. Cataracts: a review. JAMA. 2025;333(23):2093–2103.
This article is for general education and does not replace an eye examination. Treatment decisions depend on your own eye assessment.
FAQS
-
What is the cost of cataract surgery?
In my practice, cataract surgery costs from about EGP 25,000 per eye with a standard monofocal lens up to about EGP 75,000 per eye with premium lenses such as trifocals. The price depends on the lens type, and your exact price is confirmed after your examination.
-
Are multifocal lenses suitable for everyone?
No. EDOF and trifocal lenses need a healthy retina, a regular cornea and a healthy ocular surface. They are not recommended for some eyes, such as those with macular disease or advanced glaucoma.
-
Will I need glasses after cataract surgery?
That depends on the lens. With a monofocal lens, most patients need reading glasses. EDOF, trifocal and mix-and-match options reduce dependence on glasses, but none guarantees freedom from them.
-
Is cataract surgery painful?
No. Surgery is done under a local block or numbing drops, sometimes with mild sedation. You may feel light pressure, but pain is not expected.
-
Is laser necessary for cataract surgery?
No. Standard phaco surgery gives excellent results, and large trials found that laser-assisted surgery is not superior. The laser does not remove the cataract on its own.
-
Does the price include follow-up?
Yes. The price includes local anaesthesia and post-operative follow-up for one month, covering the visits that check the eye pressure, healing, lens position and vision.
-
Can both eyes be operated on the same day?
I operate on one eye at a time. The second eye is usually done within a few days to a week, once the first eye has settled.
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