Private Eye Care

Our esteemed facility houses the ZEISS Cataract Suite, which stands as a pioneer in the United Kingdom. With a strong emphasis on staying at the forefront of technology, our primary goal is to provide meticulous care and eradicate cataracts. Our highly skilled surgeons utilize this exceptional technological advancement to execute precise and efficient intraocular lens (IOL) implantation procedures.

Furthermore, The Medical Eye Clinic offers comprehensive treatment for a wide range of ocular ailments, including glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration. From your initial consultation until the successful completion of the procedure, we are fully committed to delivering an outstanding service of the highest quality, ensuring that every aspect of your care is meticulously attended to.

The Medical Eye Clinic Offers Expert Private Eye Care and Surgery

The Medical Eye Clinic is dedicated to providing exceptional eye care and surgical services in a private setting. Located in Exeter, we understand the importance of clear vision for overall well-being. Our team consists of highly skilled ophthalmologists and optometrists who are committed to elevating eye care in the Devon region.

Through our partnership with Bill Opticians, known for their excellence in optometry, we strive to deliver groundbreaking services. Whether you need expert-led treatments, cutting-edge surgeries, advanced eye examinations, contact lenses, or new eyewear, our specialists are here to cater to your unique needs with professionalism and expertise. Our clinic brings together a diverse range of eye professionals under one roof, ensuring a seamless and enhanced experience for our patients.

We prioritise personalised customer care and exceptional clinical outcomes, utilising state-of-the-art technology and diagnostic equipment to guarantee comprehensive and precise eye examinations. With specialised procedures tailored to individual requirements, we are committed to providing the highest level of eye care.

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Our Eye Surgeries at The Medical Eye Clinic Exeter

Welcome to our advanced ZEISS Cataract Suite, where we specialise in the latest treatments for cataracts. Our team of highly skilled surgeons excels at seamlessly and accurately implanting intraocular lenses (IOL) using state-of-the-art technology. Beyond our expertise in cataract surgery, we also have the ability to address a range of eye conditions, including glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration.

From your initial consultation to the successful completion of your procedure, we are dedicated to providing a comprehensive and exceptional service that exceeds expectations in terms of thoroughness.

We perform:

Cataracts
Diabetic Macular Oedema
Glaucoma
Wet Macular Degeneration
Refractive Errors

Cataracts: Private Eye Care and Surgery

Private cataract surgery has become increasingly popular and effective in addressing the debilitating effects of cataracts. This condition causes the lens of the eye to appear hazy, severely impacting one’s vision. Many individuals in Devon are now choosing private cataract surgery due to its numerous advantages. Cataracts, a common eye ailment, cause the lens to become cloudy, significantly affecting visual clarity.

Normally, this transparent disc in the eye ensures clear vision. However, the presence of cataracts distorts one’s perception. Over time, these cloudy formations can grow, potentially leading to total blindness. While cataracts typically affect both eyes, it is possible for them to develop in just one eye or for one eye to be more affected. The primary cause of cataract formation lies in the deterioration of lens tissues, resulting in the formation of protein clusters that block specific parts of the lens.

Cataract treatment

At present, medical science has yet to discover any breakthroughs that effectively stall or halt the progression of cataracts. Nevertheless, there is an appealing solution available for those who seek improvement: the substitution of the natural, opaque lens with an artificial intraocular lens.

This procedure not only grants individuals a significant enhancement in their visual acuity, but it also has the potential to greatly enhance their overall quality of life. Cataract private eye care and surgery is internationally renowned as one of the most frequently performed, safest, and most successful surgical interventions.

During this surgery, highly skilled professionals gently extract the cloudy natural lens and create a small incision at the periphery of the eye to facilitate the insertion of the artificial intraocular lens. Interestingly, this incision typically heals autonomously, eliminating the necessity for sutures and enabling a swift and trouble-free recovery. The entire procedure generally lasts between 15 and 30 minutes, and with the application of anaesthesia, patients experience a completely painless process.

Diabetic-Macular Oedema Private Eye Care and Surgery

What is diabetic macular?

The retina serves a crucial function, acting as a protective layer at the rear of your eye. It forms a complex network of cells that holds the key to our ability to see. One specific area that holds immense significance is the macula, a haven of vibrant colours and intricate details. However, diabetes has the potential to disrupt this delicate balance, affecting even the esteemed macula. In the face of relentless diabetic damage, the tiny blood vessels, including those in the macula, gradually lose their strength.

This results in their inability to perform their duty, leading to the leakage of fluid and protein. Sadly, this profound betrayal takes a toll on the macula, causing it to become swollen and overwhelmed by an excess of moisture. This condition is aptly known as diabetic macular edoema (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 Care and Surgery

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma, a group of eye disorders, is characterised by increased pressure within the eye. This heightened intraocular pressure (IOP) can lead to optic nerve damage and a gradual decline in peripheral vision. The treatment for glaucoma varies depending on the specific type of condition.

What makes glaucoma worrisome is its elusive nature, often manifesting without any noticeable pain or vision abnormalities. Unfortunately, this means individuals may remain unaware of the issue until a substantial loss of peripheral vision occurs. The Medical Eye Clinic boasts a reputable establishment, housing a team of highly skilled ophthalmologists and optometrists specialising in providing comprehensive care for glaucoma.

Glaucoma Treatment

Effective management of glaucoma demands a lifelong commitment, necessitating regular check-ups and continuous treatment. Our renowned Medical Eye Clinic in Exeter is dedicated to providing a comprehensive array of specialised treatments meticulously crafted to efficiently lower intraocular pressure (IOP), which is crucial in managing this condition.

Our devoted glaucoma consultant will work closely with you, creating a customised treatment plan that precisely caters to your unique needs.

Glaucoma Eye Drops

In the past, glaucoma eye drops have been widely relied upon for treatment, producing commendable results. Adhering to a consistent schedule is crucial when applying these drops, often requiring a daily routine. However, some individuals may feel uneasy about the daily ritual of administering eye drops, and certain medical conditions may make them unsuitable for managing glaucoma.

Luckily, the Medical Eye Clinic offers patients numerous alternative treatment options alongside the use of drops, ensuring a thorough and personalised approach to their care.

Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty, or SLT

SLT presents a straightforward and reliable solution to alleviate the burden of glaucoma, catering to a diverse range of individuals in need. By harnessing the power of laser technology, SLT effectively targets the eye’s drainage system, leading to a significant reduction in intraocular pressure. Before the procedure commences, a few drops of anaesthesia are gently administered to ensure a comfortable and painless experience for the patient. It’s important to note that immediate driving following the procedure is not advised, as caution and rest are recommended. However, the majority of individuals are able to resume driving the day after the treatment.

Occasionally, individuals may experience temporary light sensitivity for approximately a week. In such instances, the use of anti-inflammatory drops may be required, particularly in severe cases, to alleviate this sensitivity. It is worth mentioning that a small percentage, around 3% of patients, may briefly experience an increase in pressure immediately after the laser treatment. However, this increase typically normalises shortly thereafter, bringing relief to the patient.

SLT has proven its effectiveness in approximately 80% of glaucoma cases. While it may take a few weeks to observe the full response to the treatment, the resulting intraocular pressure remains stable for several years, eliminating the need for constant administration of eye drops. To ensure ongoing success, regular appointments utilising advanced technologies such as OCT, visual field analysis, and IOP measuring will be scheduled. This allows for thorough monitoring and evaluation of the treatment’s outcomes.

If necessary, the procedure can be repeated to ensure optimal and long-lasting results. It is of the utmost importance to remember that optometrists often detect the initial signs of glaucoma during routine eye examinations. We extend a warm invitation to visit our esteemed Exeter eye clinic and schedule your routine eye exam. Our dedicated and experienced team is ready to address any concerns you may have, providing you with the utmost care and support.

Wet Macular Degeneration Private Eye Surgery

What is the Macula?

The retina serves as a delicate membrane, akin to a vulnerable sheet, delicately wrapping around the rear of the eye. Within this intricate structure, a diverse array of specialised cells harmoniously collaborate to facilitate vision. Of notable significance, the macula, a profoundly essential region nestled within the retina, assumes a critical role in perceiving vibrant hues and intricate details, granting us the genuine ability to appreciate the splendour of our environment.

What treatment is available?

The development of an unusual network of blood vessels heavily relies on a signalling molecule called Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF). This molecule plays a crucial role in the continuous growth and leakage of these vessels. In order to tackle this issue, experts have devised specialised humanised antibodies referred to as anti-VEGF agents.

These agents are meticulously crafted to specifically target VEGF and impede its influence on the abnormal blood vessel network in individuals afflicted with wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). As a result, the vessels cease to leak and expand, effectively putting a halt to the progression of wet AMD. To treat wet macular degeneration, a technique known as intravitreal therapy (IVT) is employed.

This therapy entails the repeated administration of anti-VEGF agents through injections into the vitreous cavity, the primary hollow space situated at the posterior portion of the eye. The primary objective of this procedure is to dehydrate the macula, a vital region impacted by wet AMD, and alleviate 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 nearsightedness.
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 an innovative procedure that effectively addresses lens-related issues. By eliminating the natural lens and replacing it with a precisely tailored artificial implant, this advanced surgical technique offers outstanding visual acuity at the distance(s) of your preference. Moreover, the state-of-the-art implant seamlessly adjusts to your unique lifestyle requirements, ensuring a seamless experience.

Am I suitable for refractive lens exchange surgery?

As individuals reach middle age, typically between 45 and 55 years, it is common to experience a decrease in the ability to focus on objects at different distances. This is primarily due to changes in the crystalline lens. However, there is an effective solution to consider in such cases: refractive lens exchange surgery.

This procedure proves particularly advantageous for those who already suffer from significant refractive errors like myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism. By opting for refractive lens exchange surgery, individuals can witness a remarkable enhancement in their overall quality of life, as it diminishes or even eliminates the necessity of wearing glasses or contact lenses.

Consequently, this surgical intervention liberates individuals from the hassles associated with visual aids, enabling them to relish a lifestyle unrestricted by dependency on such aids.

Benefits of Private Eye Care in Devon

Enhanced Treatment Availability

Private healthcare facilities offer a substantial advantage when compared to the often lengthy waiting times observed in the National Health Service (NHS). Patients frequently face the burden of enduring extensive periods, typically six months or more, before their essential surgical procedures can be scheduled within the NHS.

Conversely, our esteemed private eye surgery centre, located in Devon, ensures prompt and efficient treatment, typically within a few weeks following the initial consultation. This assurance grants patients timely and indispensable care, eradicating any unnecessary delays.

The Significance of Prompt Treatment Access

The significance of immediate access to private eye surgery cannot be overstated, given the array of compelling factors at play. Primarily, the expeditious availability of treatment effectively diminishes the waiting period, a critical factor considering that prolonged delays can exacerbate a patient’s deteriorating eyesight, potentially impacting their overall quality of life.

Mundane tasks such as reading, driving, and recognising familiar faces can gradually become burdensome and arduous. Consequently, frustration builds up, leading to an increased reliance on others and a subsequent loss of personal autonomy.

Furthermore, untreated eye conditions can give rise to further complications, including persistent inflammation, glaucoma, or even complete vision loss in severe cases. Therefore, the earlier patients can receive treatment, the lower the likelihood of complications arising, and the faster their normal visual capabilities can be restored.

Additionally, swift access to treatment also alleviates the anxiety and stress associated with waiting for a medical procedure, ultimately contributing to an enhanced 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.