Private Cataract Surgery Within Surrey
A Safe Pair of Hands
I have performed over 10,000 cataract surgeries with excellent results. I also have knowledge and expertise with the use of premium intraocular lens implants.
I regularly audit my surgical outcomes and my complication rate is well below the national average.

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.

If you are struggling with your vision, please contact my team today to schedule a consultation and discover the benefits of cataract surgery.

Lens Implant Choice

The intraocular lens implant inserted into your eye can also correct the prescription in your eye, for example if you are short or long sighted.

I will assess whether your eye is suitable for a particular lens implant and make recommendations according to your visual needs. 

1.

Monofocal Lens Implant

This lens implant is available to all patients whether you are having private or NHS treatment. It allows clear vision at a single distance. Most commonly this lens is set for distance so patients usually do not require spectacles for distance.

Advantages

  • Good distance vision and contrast sensitivity.
  • It can be set up for close, mid-range or distance vision.

 Disadvantage

  • You may require spectacles post-operatively for near or distance vision dependent on what distance the lens is set at.

There are also newer “monofocal plus” lenses available which provide excellent distance and intermediate vision. Please discuss with me if you would like to consider this option.

2.

Extended Depth of Focus Lens Implants (EDOF)

This lens combines the benefits of both monofocal and multifocal lenses.

Advantages

  • It provides excellent intermediate vision for tasks such as computer use, as well as great distance vision.
  • This lens works by creating a single but elongated focal point.
  • It has a lower risk of glare and haloes which are very common with multifocal lenses.

Disadvantages

  • You may still require spectacles for reading.

3.

Multifocal Lens Implant

This lens allows better vision for near, intermediate and distance by providing three distinct points of focus.

Intermediate vision is required for working on a computer, applying makeup or using your mobile phone. Near vision tasks include reading, writing and sewing.

Advantages

  • Offers good near, intermediate and distance vision
  • Reduced spectacle dependence

 Disadvantages

  • Loss of contrast sensitivity
  • Haloes, glare, and star bursts

4.

Toric lens implant

Toric lens implants are designed for people with corneal astigmatism. Their eyeball shape is more like a rugby ball rather than a football. This results in blurry vision. This astigmatism can be corrected with a Toric lens implant

If a monofocal Toric lens is used, then reading glasses would be required for close work.

Advantages

  • It can be set up for close, mid-range or distance vision
  • It can be incorporated into a monofocal, multifocal or EDOF lens implant.
  • Reduced spectacle dependence

FAQ’s

  • Do I need cataract surgery?

I will check your vision, take a full history and perform a thorough examination of your eyes. This will provide me with all the information I require to decide if surgery would benefit you.

  • How long does cataract surgery take?

The length of the procedure usually depends on the complexity of the case but usually routine cataract surgery takes 15-30 minutes.

  • Does cataract surgery hurt?

Most cataract surgeries are performed under local anaesthetic. Prior to the surgery you will be given eye drops which numb the surface of the eye, further anaesthetic will be given during the surgery and if needed an anaesthetic block can also be delivered.

If you have difficulty lying on your back for 30 minutes or are particularly anxious, I can offer sedation or general anaesthesia.

  • When can I drive after cataract surgery?

I normally recommend 2 weeks after surgery. Legally you can drive sooner than this if your vision meets the DVLA standards, however I would suggest allowing more time for your eyes to adjust to the new vision.

  • What activities can I do after cataract surgery?

After cataract surgery the best form of exercise is walking. It is best to avoid any strenuous activity or heavy lifting for the first 6 weeks. Furthermore it is important to avoid any dusty or smoky areas as well as swimming pools for 6 weeks.

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