Cataracts are cloudy areas on the lens of the eye which cause blurred vision. If left untreated they can cause vision problems and blindness. Cataract surgery is done to treat cataracts and improve vision if cataracts are affecting a person’s daily life. This surgery is one of the most common operations in the NHS, with around 681,400 completed in 2023. Surgery involves using ultrasound energy to break up and remove the natural lens before implanting an intraocular lens. An intraocular lens is a small artificial lens that remains in the eye permanently. Different types of intraocular lens are used to address different vision correction needs. Innovation in lens material and design are expected to have an impact on the lens performance, such as optical quality, complication rates and follow up procedures. Lens material and design can also influence costs. This topic has been selected for existing use assessment, which aims to: • determine whether differences between the available alternative technologies justify price variation, • identify factors that can inform decisions about which technology to purchase.
- Status:
- In progress
- Technology type:
- Device
- Decision:
- Selected
- Reason for decision:
- Anticipate the topic will be of importance to patients, carers, professionals, commissioners and the health of the public to ensure clinical benefit is realised, inequalities in use addressed, and help them make the best use of NHS resources
- ID number:
- 10090
Provisional Schedule
- Scope published:
- 06 March 2026
Email enquiries
If you have any queries please email HealthTech2@nice.org.uk
- External Assessment Group:
- Centre for Reviews and Dissemination and Centre for Health Economics, University of York
Timeline
Key events during the development of the guidance:
| Date | Update |
|---|---|
| 12 December 2025 | In progress |
| 24 October 2025 | Awaiting development. Status change linked to Topic Selection Decision being set to Selected |