Cataract

This condition occurs when the lens in the eye becomes cloudy, most commonly due to age, inflammation or steroid use. Some cataracts progress rapidly while others develop gradually over time.

Main symptoms of cataracts are blurred vision, glare, reduced colour vision, seeing haloes around lights, and frequently requiring a new pair of glasses or contact lenses.

Cataract Surgery

The only treatment for cataracts is surgery to improve vision. The surgery involves removal of the lens which has now become cloudy due to a cataract.

Your natural lens will be replaced by an artificial lens implant that will remain permanently in your eye. You may still require reading and/or distance glasses post-operatively and this would be dependent on the lens that is implanted in your eye.

A local anaesthetic is administered immediately prior to the surgery. The incision required to perform the cataract operation is usually self-sealing but it may occasionally require suturing. These sutures are normally removed once the eye has healed.

Intravitreal Injections

This is a procedure used to treat Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), Diabetic Maculopathy, and Macular Oedema related to a Retinal Vein Occlusions. A medicine is injected inside the eye to reduce the swelling on the macula, it helps to slow down vision loss and, in some instances, improve vision.

The procedure is performed with a local anaesthetic, and it is usually painless, but you may be aware of a pressure sensation.

I have experience with a wide range of intravitreal therapies including anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) treatment and intravitreal steroids.

Chalazion and Eyelid Cyst Removal

A chalazion is a small swelling of the eyelid, caused by blockage  and inflammation of the meibomian glands which produce the oily layer of the tear film.

This is usually managed conservatively with hot compresses and lid hygiene.  If the cyst becomes infected antibiotics may be required.

In some cases, surgery may be required particularly if conservative treatments have not been effective. This is a straightforward procedure usually performed with local anaesthesia.

YAG Laser Capulotomy

YAG Laser Capsulotomy is a type of treatment which may be required after cataract surgery. During cataract surgery the cloudy lens is removed and an intraocular lens (IOL) is inserted. The IOL sits within a capsular bag which can become cloudy resulting in blurred vision.

During  a laser capsulotomy  procedure a laser is used to make an opening in the cloudy capsule and this usually results in an immediate improvement in eyesight.

YAG Laser Iridotomy

A laser peripheral iridotomy is usually carried out to treat or prevent a sudden rise in pressure inside the eye, this is a condition called acute angle closure glaucoma.

The peripheral iridotomy allows aqueous fluid to flow freely within the eye and therefore prevents a sudden pressure rise. This procedure is performed to maintain and preserve vision.