Cataract

A cataract means the eye's natural lens gradually becomes cloudy, so vision slowly turns blurred or hazy. It is a normal part of ageing, but it can also arise for other reasons.

A cataract is treated with surgery, in which the cloudy lens is replaced by a clear artificial lens. It is one of the most common and safest procedures performed, and it restores vision.

• Improved vision is often noticeable the next day.

• The eye may be red, itchy or feel dry for a couple of weeks.

• New glasses are usually needed after about six weeks.

Yes. As a general rule, once you have a referral from an optician or a doctor you may choose your own clinic within Region Skåne. This is known as free choice of care (fritt vårdval) for cataract surgery in Region Skåne.

We can also see you without a referral. In that case you complete a self-referral (egen remiss) with us.

• Cataract surgery is specialist and surgical care covered by the national high-cost ceiling (högkostnadsskyddet), so you pay the standard patient fee up to that ceiling.

• If you would like a more advanced lens (for example a multifocal lens), you pay the difference yourself.

Co-payment means you can choose a more advanced type of lens for your cataract surgery. Unlike the standard monofocal lens, which gives good vision at one distance, premium lenses such as multifocal lenses or EDOF lenses can give sharper vision at near, intermediate and long range. The aim is to reduce, or even remove, the need for glasses after surgery.

According to national waiting-time statistics published in July 2025, the median wait in Region Skåne from decision to surgery was around 1.3 months (roughly 41 days), somewhat shorter than the national average of about 48 days.

At X-Vision the wait from assessment to surgery is usually two to three weeks, so you are seen quickly.

Our eye care within Region Skåne

• Cataract assessment

• Cataract surgery

• Follow-up appointments

We provide cataract surgery under the Region Skåne care-choice framework, Vårdval Katarakt. We have two eye clinics in Skåne, one in Malmö and one in Lund. Both are centrally located and easy to reach.

Our agreement with Region Skåne allows us to carry out cataract surgery, co-payment (medfinansiering) upgrades and complex cases.

Cataract is most often linked to natural age-related changes in the lens of the eye, but several factors can accelerate or contribute to it. These can increase the risk of the lens clouding faster than usual and are worth bearing in mind for long-term eye health.

Some of these factors are:

• Prolonged UV exposure

• Diabetes

• Long-term use of corticosteroids

• Eye injuries or other eye conditions

Cataract usually develops gradually, so the symptoms can be hard to notice at first. Over time, changes in vision begin to affect daily life, particularly during activities that need clear sight or good perception of light.

Common symptoms to look out for:

• Blurred or hazy vision

• Increased sensitivity to bright light or glare

• Reduced night vision

• Double vision in one eye

• Colours appearing faded

Cataract surgery paid for privately follows a different follow-up pathway from region-funded cataract surgery.