Private Eye Care in Devon

The ZEISS Cataract Suite at our esteemed facility proudly stands as a leading-edge establishment in the United Kingdom. With a focus on the latest advancements in technology, we are dedicated to providing meticulous care and eliminating cataracts. Our skilled surgeons utilise this exceptional technological advancement to perform precise and efficient intraocular lens (IOL) implantation.

Additionally, at The Medical Eye Clinic, we offer comprehensive treatment for various ocular ailments, such as glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration. From the initial consultation to the completion of the procedure, we are committed to delivering an exceptional service of the utmost quality, ensuring every aspect of your care is taken care of.

The Medical Eye Clinic Offers Expert Private Eye Care in Devon

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 a 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 ground-breaking 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 state-of-the-art ZEISS Cataract Suite, where we specialise in cutting-edge treatments for cataracts. Our team of highly trained surgeons is an expert in seamlessly and accurately implanting intraocular lenses (IOL) using the most advanced technology available. In addition to our exceptional skills in cataract surgery, we possess the knowledge and capability to effectively address a wide range of eye conditions, such as glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration.

From your initial consultation until the successful completion of your procedure, our utmost commitment lies in delivering a comprehensive and outstanding service that surpasses all expectations in terms of thoroughness.

We perform:

Cataracts
Diabetic Macular Oedema
Glaucoma
Wet Macular Degeneration
Refractive Errors

Cataracts: Private Eye Surgery in Exeter

Private cataract surgery has emerged as an increasingly popular and highly successful solution for individuals struggling with the debilitating effects of cataracts. This condition presents itself as a cloudy appearance of the lens in the eye, severely limiting one’s ability to see clearly. Many patients in Devon are now choosing private cataract surgery due to its numerous advantages.

Cataracts, a common eye condition, cause the lens to become cloudy, significantly impacting visual acuity. Under normal circumstances, this transparent disc located within the eye ensures sharp vision. However, the presence of cataracts distorts how one perceives their surroundings.

Over time, these cloudy formations can expand, potentially leading to complete loss of vision. While cataracts typically affect both eyes, it is possible for them to develop in only one eye or for one eye to have a higher prevalence. The underlying cause of cataract formation lies in the deterioration of lens tissues, resulting in the formation of protein clusters that obstruct specific areas 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 Surgery in Exeter

What is diabetic macular?

The retina plays a vital role, much like a safeguard delicately embracing the back of your eye. Within this complex network of cells lies the very essence of our ability to see. One area of great importance is the macula, a sanctuary brimming with vibrant colours and intricate details. However, diabetes can wreak havoc on the delicate capillaries, including those that grace the respected macula.

In the face of relentless diabetic distress, these capillaries gradually weaken, stumbling in their duty as they allow fluid and protein to escape. Unfortunately, this profound act of betrayal takes its toll, causing the macula to swell and bear the weight of excessive moisture. As a result, this condition is aptly named 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 the ‘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 in Exeter

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma encompasses a range of eye conditions that are characterised by an increase in pressure inside the eye. This heightened intraocular pressure (IOP) can lead to damage to the optic nerve and a gradual decline in peripheral vision. Treatment for glaucoma varies depending on the specific type of condition one has.

What is truly concerning about glaucoma is its subtle nature, often presenting without any noticeable pain or vision abnormalities. Unfortunately, this means that individuals may remain unaware of the issue until a significant amount of peripheral vision is irreversibly lost.

At the esteemed Medical Eye Clinic, we take pride in our reputation as a leading facility housing a team of highly skilled ophthalmologists and optometrists who specialise in providing comprehensive treatment for glaucoma.

Glaucoma Treatment

To effectively manage glaucoma, a lifelong commitment is essential. This entails regular check-ups and continuous treatment. At our esteemed Medical Eye Clinic in Exeter, we provide an extensive selection of specialised treatments that have been meticulously designed to effectively lower intraocular pressure (IOP), which is the main approach for managing this condition.

Our dedicated glaucoma consultant will work closely with you, customising a personalised treatment plan that caters to your unique needs.

Glaucoma Eye Drops

Throughout history, glaucoma eye drops have played a vital role in treatment, producing remarkable results. The key to success lies in their consistent use, often requiring a daily routine. However, for some individuals, the daily ritual of applying eye drops can be discomforting, and certain medical conditions may make them inappropriate for glaucoma care.

Luckily, at the Medical Eye Clinic, patients are offered a variety of alternative treatments alongside eye drops, ensuring a comprehensive and personalised approach to their care.

Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty, or SLT

SLT offers a reliable and straightforward solution that effectively relieves the intraocular pressure experienced by individuals who have glaucoma. Through the skilful use of laser technology, the eye’s drainage system is targeted, resulting in a significant reduction in pressure. Prior to the procedure, a few drops of anesthesia are administered to ensure a painless experience. It is important to note that driving immediately after the treatment is not recommended. However, most individuals can resume driving the day after the procedure. In some cases, there may be temporary light sensitivity for about a week.

To address this sensitivity, severe cases may require treatment with anti-inflammatory drops. It is worth mentioning that about 3% of patients may experience a brief increase in pressure immediately after the laser treatment, but this usually returns to normal shortly after. SLT has shown effectiveness in approximately 80% of glaucoma cases. While it may take a few weeks to fully observe the complete response to treatment, the resulting intraocular pressure typically remains stable for several years, eliminating the need for constantly administering eye drops.

Regular appointments will be scheduled to monitor and evaluate the outcomes of the treatment using advanced technologies such as OCT, visual field analysis, and IOP measuring. If necessary, the procedure can be repeated to ensure optimal results. It is important to remember that optometrists often detect the initial signs of glaucoma during routine eye examinations. We encourage you to contact our Exeter eye clinic to schedule your routine eye exam and address any concerns you may have.

Wet Macular Degeneration Private Eye Surgery

What is the Macula?

The retina operates as a delicate membrane, akin to a vulnerable film, softly encasing the rear of the eye. Within this intricate structure, an array of specialised cells collaborates effortlessly to facilitate vision. Notably significant, the macula, a profoundly vital region nestled within the retina, assumes the pivotal task of discerning vibrant hues and intricate details, enabling us to truly appreciate the magnificence of our environment.

What treatment is available?

The development of an unconventional 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 address this challenge, scientists have created specialised antibodies known as anti-VEGF agents, which have been humanised to enhance their effectiveness.

These agents have been carefully designed to specifically target VEGF and hinder its influence on the abnormal blood vessel network observed in individuals suffering from wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). As a result, the vessels stop leaking and expanding, effectively halting the progression of wet AMD.

To treat wet macular degeneration, a technique called intravitreal therapy (IVT) is utilised. This therapy involves the repeated administration of anti-VEGF agents through injections into the vitreous cavity, the main hollow space located at the back of the eye. The primary objective of this procedure is to dry out the macula, a vital area severely affected by wet AMD, and reduce its harmful consequences.

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 solution that effectively tackles lens-related problems by removing the natural lens and replacing it with a carefully designed artificial lens implant.

This advanced implant is customized to correct specific refractive errors, resulting in unmatched visual clarity at the distance(s) you desire and effortlessly adapting to your distinct 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 different distances due to changes in their crystalline lens. When faced with this challenge, one potential solution to consider is refractive lens exchange surgery.

This surgical procedure can be particularly beneficial for individuals who already have significant refractive errors like near sightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. Refractive lens exchange surgery offers individuals the opportunity to greatly improve their overall quality of life by reducing or even eliminating their reliance on glasses or contact lenses. This procedure empowers them to embrace a lifestyle that is no longer limited by the need for visual aids.

Benefits of Private Eye Care in Devon

Enhanced Treatment Availability

Private healthcare facilities offer a substantial advantage when compared to the often-prolonged waiting times encountered in the National Health Service (NHS). In the NHS, patients frequently encounter extensive periods of six months or even longer before their vital surgical procedures can be scheduled.

In contrast, our esteemed private eye surgery centre, conveniently located in Devon, ensures prompt and efficient treatment, typically within a few weeks following the initial consultation. This ensures patients receive timely and essential care, eradicating any unnecessary delays.

The Significance of Prompt Treatment Access

The importance of immediate availability of private eye surgery should never be underestimated, as it holds immense value for numerous compelling reasons. One of the primary benefits is the significant reduction in waiting time, which is crucial because prolonged delays can worsen a patient’s declining eyesight, potentially affecting their overall quality of life. Simple tasks like reading, driving, and recognising familiar faces can become increasingly burdensome and tiresome.

As a result, frustration builds up, leading to a heightened dependence on others and a subsequent loss of personal independence. Moreover, untreated eye conditions can give rise to additional complications, including persistent inflammation, glaucoma, or in severe cases, complete vision loss. Therefore, the sooner patients can receive treatment, the lower the chances of complications arising, and the quicker their normal visual abilities can be restored.

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