Eye surgery is any surgical operation performed on the eye. It is usually performed by an ophthalmologist - a doctor specially trained in eye care. Ophthalmologists diagnose and treat eye conditions through medicine or surgery.
Which eye problems require surgery?
The following eye issues are typically resolved with surgery:
cataracts
glaucoma (in the most complex cases)
detached retinas
retinal tears
diabetic retinopathy (in the most complex cases)
nearsightedness or farsightedness (also called refractive surgery).
Eye surgery types and options
Our eye specialists offer different eye surgery options or treatments for a wide range of common eye problems.
There are many eye operation types and treatments for various eye conditions. Please see below all of the eye treatments we offer at Practice Plus Group. Why not take a look at our Q&A video with Consultant Ophthalmologist Teresa Anthony which may answer some of the questions you might have about eye surgery.
Laser treatment for post-cataract, capsular clouding, is a treatment that is used to improve the vision post-surgery. It is very common and helps to let light pass through the cloudy regions of the lens capsule that may develop after the initial cataract surgery.
Nowadays, laser eye treatment is increasingly used to treat glaucoma patients. It works by decreasing the amount of fluid within the eye. This works by either increasing the drainage of fluid out of the eye or reducing the amount of fluid that is made.
Oculoplastics covers a wide range of surgical procedures that deal with the eye socket, eyelids, tear ducts and face. It also deals with the reconstruction of the eye and its associated structures.
Wet AMD is a painless eye condition that leads to the gradual loss of central vision due to abnormal blood vessel growth. It can be treated with medication and in some cases laser surgery.
We treat a wide variety of eye conditions affecting all parts of the eye or eyelids. These can be medical conditions e.g. blepharitis, dry eye, retinal conditions or conditions needing surgery such as Entropion or Ectropion.
Glaucoma service
Glaucoma affects approximately 1 per cent of the whole population, it is a common eye disease which needs lifelong care, usually medical and occasionally surgical (or laser). Find out more about our glaucoma service.
This depends on the location of the hospital and whether you are planning to receive your healthcare through the NHS or pay for yourself. For example, at the Kettering General Hospital NHS Trust, the average waiting time for ophthalmology treatment is currently four months. Whereas at the London North-West University Healthcare NHS Trust, the wait is three months.
Preparing for your eye operation
Eye surgery preparation is straightforward. Once you have been referred for surgery you will meet with a specialist eye clinician who will go through your symptoms, your previous eye and medical history, and ensure you are fit for surgery.
There may be some investigations and tests to complete before surgery and we will ask questions about your general health, medication, allergies and a recent blood pressure measurement. You will be asked to bring reports (if available) of any previous eye procedure you had in the past, especially if you had laser vision correction.
Please take your normal medication or drops. If you take blood thinners please let us know and we will be able to advise.
Eye surgery recovery time and advice
If you have had cataract surgery you will be given eye drops to use for the first few weeks after your operation.
You should avoid:
heavy lifting and strenuous exercise immediately after the operation
rubbing your eyes and getting soapy water in your eyes in the two weeks after the operation
swimming and using eye makeup in the four weeks after the operation.
You can:
carry on as normal with most other activities around the home
return to your normal daily routine after 24 hours
protect your eyes with sunglasses - these can act as an eye shield, especially on windy days.
Ask your ophthalmologist when you can return to work, and when you will be able to wear contact lenses/glasses again. You will probably find that your prescription has changed following surgery and you will have to be re-assessed by your optometrist.
Eye surgery costs in the UK
The cost of eye surgery in the UK depends on the healthcare provider and its location. If you have private health insurance you can enquire with your insurance company as to whether your condition is covered.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCNHTzpkEv8
Wet AMD unit based in the Winchester South Park and Ride
if you are looking at a private provider, check whether they also do NHS surgery. This is a good sign and shows they are trusted by the NHS.
is the hospital nearby and will you be able to get a lift there and back?
Choosing an eye surgeon
At Practice Plus Group, we strive to provide all our patients with a top quality healthcare experience. But don't just take our word for it! Our patient stories detail the experiences and feedback of our patients like the one below.
"It has been incredible. Colours are brighter and everything is so much more detailed: it’s like life in HD. I thought my kitchen was cream, but it’s white!"
At Practice Plus Group Hospitals, we’re passionate about giving patients a positive experience and excellent clinical outcomes, with personalised care every step of the way. Whether you’re paying for yourself or using private medical insurance, with our short waiting times, unrivalled Care Quality Commission (CQC) ratings and high levels of cleanliness and infection control, we’ll make sure you’re looked after. In fact, we were the first provider to have all services rated ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ by the CQC.
Acknowledgements
This article was completed with the help of Teresa Anthony, Consultant Ophthalmologist at Practice Plus Group. Dr Anthony completed her postgraduate degree in Ophthalmology in Mumbai, India. She then trained in the UK at a number of the UK’s leading NHS hospitals, obtaining the FRCS degree in Ophthalmology. Dr Anthony subsequently sub-specialised in oculoplastic surgery at Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, and is a member of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists.
Over the last few years Practice Plus Group has grown its Marketing Team to include art workers, campaign and social media managers, content editors, and digital analysts. Together, they provide a responsive and comprehensive service, ensuring all content is on-brand and in-line with relevant medical guidelines.
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Eye surgery Q&A with Consultant Ophthalmologist, Teresa Anthony
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What are the benefits of cataracts surgery?
Is cataract surgery a major operation?
How soon can I have cataract surgery?
How long does cataract operation take?
What happens after my cataract surgery?
How long will my new lens last
How soon after my surgery can I drive?
Is there anything else I need to know about cataract surgery?
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Eye treatment FAQs
Not quite found what you're looking for? Our dedicated eye treatment FAQs can help!
What are the most common eye surgeries?
Some of the more common eye surgeries include:
- different types of laser eye surgery to correct vision problems - cataract surgery - glaucoma surgery.
Is eye surgery painful?
Most operations are carried out using a local anaesthetic. You will be awake but the ophthalmologist will make sure that you can’t feel your affected eye. In some cases, you may be offered sedation.
Is eye surgery risky?
While cataract surgery is considered a major surgery, it also has a high success rate. As with all surgery, there are risks involved. You should discuss your concerns with your ophthalmologist before deciding if it is right for you.
Do I need general anaesthetic for eye surgery?
Most eye surgery is done using local anaesthetic. Depending on the type of surgery, some patients may also be offered sedation.
Is eye surgery a major surgery?
While most eye surgery isn’t classed as major surgery, cataract surgery is. This operation is usually done with local anaesthetic and takes between 15 to 45 minutes. The ophthalmologist makes a tiny cut in the surface of your eye and removes the cataract. He or she then inserts the new lens so that you can see clearly.
How long does eye surgery take?
This depends on the type of eye surgery you are having. Cataract surgery, for example, takes between 15 to 45 minutes.
Does eye surgery work?
Eye surgery is one of the most successful procedures in the UK. Patient satisfaction rates are typically found to be between 70% - 90%.
When should you have eye surgery?
Choosing to have eye surgery will depend on how your vision is affecting your daily activities and whether surgery will bring benefits to your quality of life. You can discuss the pros and cons with your eye care specialist who will be able to answer your questions and help you make an informed decision.
Who is suitable for eye surgery?
Your ophthalmologist or optometrist will be able to advise on whether you are suitable for eye surgery.
Does health insurance cover eye surgery?
Health insurance may cover some types of surgery, such as cataracts. Check with your insurers to see what your policy covers.
How long does it take to recover from eye surgery?
This depends on the type of surgery you had. Some cataract surgery patients could start to see improvements in their vision within hours of their operation. For others, it may take a few days following a period of rest.
Cataract surgery, Devizes – cannot fault the care and attention
My wife recently had a cataract operation here and cannot fault the care and attention given to her by all the staff involved.
by Chris Longdon, Google
Cataract surgery, Devizes – thank you for the great care
Thank you to all the team at Devizes for the great care they gave my dad when he came in for his cataract operation in March. The team were all very caring and efficient looking after him very well. Thanks for the many follow-up phone calls by the team making sure he was followed up by his GP on his return home. Thanks again.
by Alison Packer, Google
Cataract surgery, Gillingham – made to feel safe
My mum is 89 she was very frightened to have her cataract removed but when she got to the Gillingham practice from the start to the end she was made to feel safe with Mr R Govindan and the nurses on his team my mum is looking forward to having her other eye done
by Rosemary Jones, Google
Cataract surgery, Gillingham – made my experience worry-free
I was very nervous at the start of my visit, but was absolutely amazed at the professional and caring service. The staff were so kind and helpful to make my experience worry free. The Surgeon was excellent and gentle, and I am so glad I had my eye surgery there. 100% a perfect day. Love to you all at Practice Plus Group, Gillingham.
by Philip Bevens, Google
Cataract surgery – quick and well organised
The whole process was very quick and well organised from first contact to being discharged. The initial telephone contact allowed me to ask questions and be directed to the clinic which would best suit my needs. Everyone involved was very friendly and quickly put me at ease. I was always explained choices and not pressured into any response. My concerns were fully answered enabling me to feel confident to go ahead. I loved my consultants humour during the procedure keeping me involved and relaxed. My eyesight is amazing now with no need to wear glasses so I’m extremely satisfied.
by Mary Hillman, Google
Cataract surgery, Gillingham – everyone very friendly
I went for my cataract assessment today and found everyone very friendly and I was put at ease about the procedure. I feel very relaxed to know that I’ll be in good hands when the time for my surgery arrives.
by Sandra Church, Google
Cataract surgery, Portsmouth – exceedingly courteous and helpful
Appointments staff exceedingly courteous and helpful getting both my elderly parents booked in for appointments on the same day and directly after each other, for eye surgery.
by Paula Stubbs, Google
Cataract surgery, Plymouth – fabulous practice
I had 2 cataract operations by the same surgeon and she was excellent! Both eyes are now perfect and operations went without a hitch! Aftercare was superb!
by Anonymous, Plymouth
Cataract surgery, Gillingham – friendly, caring and professional
Attended for cataract surgery and cannot fault the care I received from every single member of staff. Following a warm and friendly welcome at reception, pre surgery checks were carried out in a friendly, caring and professional manner with everything clearly explained – this carried through to the actual procedure where theatre staff were so kind and reassuring.
by Yvonne Akrill, Google
Cataract surgery, Southampton – highly recommend
I highly recommend Practice Plus Group! I had eye surgery yesterday and already can see clearly.
by Dave
Cataract surgery, Rochdale – staff efficient and reassuring
I recently had cataract surgery at Croft Shifa Health Centre, Rochdale, with Practice Plus. I found them excellent and the outcome amazing. From referral by my Optician to the procedure on my second eye it took only 10 weeks, and this was through the NHS route. I was naturally frightened but I found the staff efficient and reassuring. The procedure itself was totally painless and I was given good advice on aftercare. The difference in my vision is just amazing so I am very grateful to Practice Plus. Thank you.
by Liz W, Trust Pilot
Cataract surgery, Rochdale – the care given was second to none
I had my cataracts removed from both eyes at Practice Plus in Rochdale, one in March 2022 and the second in April 2022. The care I was given by everyone involved, from consultant to nursing team to the patient services team was second to none. I will be forever grateful to everyone who looked after me and made my sight better than it has ever been!
by Margaret Clayton
Cataract surgery, Ilford – very satisfied patient!
I had my 2nd cataract operation at Practice Plus Group Ilford. I had both operations at this centre.
I must report how pleased I have been with every aspect – efficient, friendly and skilled. Also, information both verbal and printed was spot on. I am a very satisfied patient!
