Specialised Private Eye Surgery in Devon
Our esteemed ZEISS Cataract Suite proudly stands as a state-of-the-art facility at the forefront of the United Kingdom, utilising cutting-edge technology. We are solely dedicated to providing meticulous care and eradicating cataracts. This exceptional technological advancement enables our highly skilled surgeons to perform efficient and precise intraocular lens (IOL) implantation.
Furthermore, at The Medical Eye Clinic, we extend our expertise to encompass the comprehensive treatment of various ocular ailments, including glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration. From the initial consultation to the culmination of the procedure, our unwavering commitment ensures an exceptional service of the highest quality, encompassing every aspect of your care.
The Medical Eye Clinic Offers Expert Private Eye Surgery
At The Medical Eye Clinic Exeter, we understand the immense impact that clear vision can have on one’s overall well-being. Our appreciation for the importance of sight allows us to fully embrace the awe-inspiring world around us, with its vibrant array of colours and captivating beauty.
We are aware of the significance of our vision, especially when faced with any visual impairments. Committed to elevating eye care in the Devon region, our prestigious eye clinic brings together a team of esteemed professionals, including highly trained ophthalmologists and optometrists. Through a partnership with the reputable Bill Opticians, one of the most esteemed optician chains in the Southwest, The Medical Eye Clinic Exeter is dedicated to delivering exceptional and innovative eye care services.
Whether you are in need of expert-led treatments and surgeries, advanced eye examinations, contact lenses, or new eyewear, we are here to cater to your needs with utmost professionalism and expertise. What sets us apart is our comprehensive approach, which brings together a wide range of eye specialists all conveniently located under one roof. This ensures a seamless and enhanced experience for our patients, with a strong focus on personalised customer care and exceptional clinical outcomes. By utilising cutting-edge technology and diagnostic equipment, we guarantee thorough and precise eye examinations, as well as specialised procedures tailored to individual needs.
Our Eye Surgeries at The Medical Eye Clinic Exeter
our ZEISS Cataract Suite is a state-of-the-art facility that specialises in the treatment and elimination of cataracts. Our skilled surgeons are adept at seamlessly and accurately implanting intraocular lenses (IOL) using cutting-edge technology.
In addition to our expertise in cataract surgery, we also can address various eye conditions such as glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration. From your very first consultation to the successful completion of your procedure, our unwavering dedication is to provide a comprehensive and exceptional service that goes above and beyond expectations in terms of thoroughness.
- Cataracts
- Diabetic Macular Oedema
- Glaucoma
- Wet Macular Degeneration
- Refractive Errors
Cataracts: Private Eye Surgery
What are cataracts?
Private cataract surgery has emerged as a widely accepted and highly effective solution for individuals grappling with the debilitating consequences of cataracts. This condition manifests as a hazy appearance of the eye’s lens, severely impairing one’s ability to see. Many patients in Devon are opting for private cataract surgery due to the multitude of benefits it offers.
Cataracts, a prevalent eye ailment, cause the lens to undergo a cloudy transformation, significantly impacting visual clarity. In its normal state, this transparent disc nestled within the eye ensures sharp vision. However, the presence of cataracts distorts one’s visual perception.
Gradually, these murky formations expand, potentially leading to complete blindness. While cataracts generally affect both eyes, it is plausible for them to develop in just one eye or for one eye to experience a higher prevalence. The fundamental cause of cataract formation lies in the deterioration of lens tissues, resulting in the creation of protein clusters that obstruct specific areas of the lens.
Cataract treatment
Currently, there are no known medical advancements that can effectively delay or prevent the progression of cataracts. However, there is a practical solution available for those seeking improvement: the replacement of the natural, cloudy lens with an artificial intraocular lens.
Opting for this procedure not only offers individuals a significant enhancement in their vision, but it can also greatly improve their overall quality of life. Cataract private eye surgery is widely recognised as one of the most commonly performed, safest, and most successful surgical interventions worldwide.
During the surgery, highly skilled professionals delicately remove the cloudy natural lens and create a small incision at the edge of the eye to facilitate the placement of the artificial intraocular lens. Interestingly, this incision typically heals on its own, eliminating the need for stitches and allowing for a rapid and hassle-free recovery. The entire procedure generally lasts between 15 and 30 minutes, and with the administration of anaesthesia, patients experience a completely pain-free process.
Diabetic-macular Oedema Private Eye Surgery
What is diabetic macular?
The retina plays a vital role, much like a protective film gently lining the back of your eye. Within this intricate network of cells lies the key to our sense of sight. One particular area of great importance is the macula, a sanctuary for vibrant colours and intricate details.
However, diabetes has the potential to cause chaos within the delicate capillaries, even those of the esteemed macula. In the relentless face of diabetic damage, these capillaries begin to weaken, failing in their duty as they allow fluid and protein to leak out. Sadly, this profound betrayal takes its toll, leaving the macula swollen and burdened by an excess of moisture. This condition is appropriately referred to as diabetic macular oedema (DMO).
What treatments are available for DMO?
As DMO is effectively the manifestation of diabetes in the eye, the treatment for DMO includes optimising the following system risk factors:
- Improve the control of diabetes.
- Improve the control of blood pressure.
- Improve the control of ‘lipid profile’
In addition to these systemic measures, the following ‘eye-specific’ treatments can be used to treat DMO:
- Laser treatment. This is the conventional treatment for DMO, useful for treating DMO that does not directly involve the central vision. However, when DMO is very close to or involves the very centre of the macula, laser treatment can have the undesirable effect of producing scarring in the central vision.
- Pharmacological treatment by intravitreal therapy This is when medication is injected into the main eye cavity, the vitreous, to treat DMO. This is the modern treatment that is preferable in most cases of DMO, especially when DMO is very close to or involves the central vision.
Glaucoma Private Eye Surgery
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma encompasses a range of eye conditions characterised by increased pressure inside the eye. This elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) can result in damage to the optic nerve and the gradual loss of peripheral vision. The treatment for glaucoma varies based on the specific type of condition.
The concerning aspect of glaucoma lies in its subtle nature, as it often presents without any noticeable pain or vision abnormalities. Regrettably, this means that individuals may remain unaware of the issue until a significant amount of peripheral vision is permanently lost. The Medical Eye Clinic is a well-regarded facility, housing a skilled team of ophthalmologists and optometrists who specialise in providing comprehensive treatment for glaucoma.
Glaucoma Treatment
Managing glaucoma requires a lifelong dedication, involving consistent check-ups and ongoing treatment. At our highly respected Medical Eye Clinic in Exeter, we offer a wide range of specialised treatments carefully designed to effectively reduce intraocular pressure (IOP), the primary method for managing this condition. Our devoted glaucoma consultant will collaborate closely with you, tailoring a personalised treatment plan that caters specifically to your individual requirements.
Glaucoma Eye Drops
Historically, glaucoma eye drops have served as the mainstay of treatment, delivering impressive outcomes. Consistency is key in their application, often necessitating a daily regimen. Nevertheless, some individuals may find the daily ritual of instilling eye drops unsettling, and certain medical conditions may render them unsuitable for glaucoma care.
Fortunately, the Medical Eye Clinic provides patients with a range of alternative treatments in conjunction with drops, guaranteeing comprehensive and tailored care.
LASER TREATMENT: Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty, or SLT
SLT offers a simple and secure remedy that effectively relieves intraocular pressure for a wide range of individuals grappling with glaucoma. By skilfully utilising laser technology to target the eye’s drainage system, the pressure within the eye is significantly reduced. Prior to the procedure, a few drops of anaesthesia are administered to ensure a pain-free experience. It is important to note that driving immediately after the procedure is not recommended; however, most individuals are able to resume driving the following day.
In some instances, there may be a temporary sensitivity to light for approximately a week. To alleviate this sensitivity, treatment with anti-inflammatory drops might be necessary in severe cases. It is worth mentioning that around 3% of patients may experience a brief increase in pressure immediately after laser treatment, but this typically normalises shortly after. SLT has proven to be effective in approximately 80% of glaucoma cases.
Although it may take a few weeks to observe the full response to the treatment, the resulting intraocular pressure usually remains stable for several years, eliminating the need for constant administration of eye drops. Regular appointments, employing cutting-edge technologies such as OCT, visual field analysis, and IOP measuring, will be scheduled to monitor and evaluate the outcomes of the treatment. If necessary, the procedure can be repeated to ensure optimal results.
It is crucial to remember that optometrists often identify the initial signs of glaucoma during routine eye examinations. We warmly invite you to reach out to our Exeter eye clinic to schedule your routine eye exam and address any concerns you may have.
Wet Macular Degeneration
What is the Macula?
The retina functions as a fragile layer, similar to a sensitive film, gently enveloping the back of the eye. Inside this complex framework, a multitude of specialised cells work together seamlessly to enable sight. Particularly noteworthy, the macula, a profoundly important area situated within the retina, assumes the crucial role of perceiving vivid colours and intricate intricacies, allowing us to genuinely Savor the beauty of our surroundings.
What treatment is available?
The development of an unusual network of blood vessels heavily depends on a signalling molecule known as Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF). This molecule is responsible for the persistent growth and leakage of these vessels. To address this issue, scientists have created specialised humanised antibodies called anti-VEGF agents.
These agents are specifically designed to target VEGF and hinder its impact on the abnormal blood vessel network in individuals suffering from wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Consequently, the vessels stop leaking and expanding, effectively halting the progression of wet AMD.
In order to treat wet macular degeneration, a technique called intravitreal therapy (IVT) is employed. This therapy involves the repeated administration of anti-VEGF agents through injections into the vitreous cavity, which is the primary hollow space located at the back of the eye. The main purpose of this process is to dry out the macula, a critical area affected by wet AMD, and mitigate its detrimental effects.
Refractive Errors Private Eye Surgery
What are refractive errors?
In individuals with a refractive error, the optics of the eye (the cornea and lens) cannot focus light from distant objects on the retina.
Common refractive errors include:
- Myopia: When the optics of the eye are too powerful for the length of the eyeball, one has myopia, or near-sightedness.
- Hyperopia: When the optics of the eye are not powerful enough for the length of the eyeball, one has hyperopia, or farsightedness.
- Astigmatism occurs when the optics of the eye are too powerful or too weak across one meridian. A person with astigmatism sees the lines of a particular orientation less clearly.
- Presbyopia is when the flexibility of the lens declines due to age, leading to difficulty in near vision.
What is Refractive Lens Exchange Surgery?
Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) surgery is a remarkable surgical technique aimed at resolving lens-related problems by removing the natural lens and replacing it with a carefully designed artificial lens implant. This cutting-edge implant is custom-made to correct specific refractive errors, resulting in exceptional visual clarity at your desired distance(s) and effortlessly adapting to your lifestyle needs.
Am I suitable for refractive lens exchange surgery?
Between the ages of 45 and 55, many people may notice a decline in their ability to focus on objects at various distances due to changes in the crystalline lens. When this happens, one option to consider is refractive lens exchange surgery. This procedure can be particularly beneficial for those who already have significant refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism.
Refractive lens exchange surgery has the power to greatly improve their quality of life by reducing or even eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses. With this procedure, individuals can enjoy a lifestyle that is no longer burdened by the reliance on visual aids.
Benefits of Private Eye Surgery in Devon
Enhanced Treatment Availability
Private healthcare facilities provide a significant benefit in comparison to the extended waiting times commonly experienced in the National Health Service (NHS). Patients often have to endure lengthy periods of six months or more before their crucial surgical procedures can be scheduled within the NHS.
On the contrary, our reputable private eye surgery centre, situated in Devon, guarantees swift and effective treatment, usually within a few weeks after the initial consultation. This guarantees patients timely and indispensable care, eliminating any unnecessary delays.
The Significance of Prompt Treatment Access
The immediate availability of private eye surgery cannot be underestimated due to a range of convincing factors. First and foremost, prompt access to treatment significantly reduces the waiting time, which is crucial as lengthy delays can worsen a patient’s declining eyesight, potentially impacting their overall quality of life. Mundane tasks like reading, driving, and recognising familiar faces can increasingly become burdensome and laborious. As a result, frustration builds up, leading to a greater dependence on others and a subsequent loss of personal freedom.
Additionally, untreated eye conditions can lead to further complications, including persistent inflammation, glaucoma, or, in severe cases, complete vision loss. Therefore, the earlier patients can receive treatment, the lower the chances of complications arising, and the quicker their normal visual abilities can be restored. Moreover, swift access to treatment also mitigates the anxiety and stress associated with waiting for a medical procedure, ultimately contributing to a heightened state of mental well-being.
To embark on your journey towards private eye surgery in Devon, we highly encourage you to reach out to our dedicated team today. You have the option to either call our team at 01392 829436 or use our convenient online contact form.