Private Eye Surgery in Devon

Welcome to our advanced ZEISS Cataract Suite, where we lead the way in cataract treatment in the UK using the latest technology. Our primary focus is on delivering high-quality care to effectively address and remove cataracts. This innovative technology allows our experienced surgeons to perform intraocular lens (IOL) implants with precision and efficiency.

At the Medical Eye Clinic, we also specialise in treating a range of eye conditions, such as glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration. From your first visit to the completion of your treatment, we are dedicated to providing you with outstanding service and thorough care every step of the way.

The Medical Eye Clinic Offers Expert Private Eye Surgery in Devon

At The Medical Eye Clinic Exeter, we recognise just how much clear vision contributes to your overall health and happiness. Understanding the value of sight allows us to appreciate the beautiful world around us, filled with vibrant colours and stunning sights.

We know how crucial our vision is, particularly when dealing with any difficulties related to it. Dedicated to providing top-notch eye care in the Devon area, our clinic features a team of highly skilled professionals, including respected ophthalmologists and optometrists.

In partnership with Bill Opticians, one of the leading optician chains in the Southwest, we are committed to offering outstanding, innovative eye care services.

Whether you require expert treatments, thorough eye exams, contact lenses, or stylish new eyewear, we’re here to serve you with professionalism and care.

What distinguishes us is our all-encompassing approach, bringing together various eye care specialists under one roof. This setup enhances the patient experience, focusing on personalised service and excellent clinical results.

With state-of-the-art technology and diagnostic tools, we ensure accurate and detailed eye examinations, along with specialised procedures tailored to meet your individual needs.

Our Eye Surgeries at The Medical Eye Clinic Exeter

Welcome to our ZEISS Cataract Suite, a modern facility dedicated to treating and removing cataracts. Our experienced surgeons use advanced technology to expertly implant intraocular lenses (IOL) with precision and ease. Beyond cataract surgery, we also offer solutions for a range of eye issues, including glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration.

From your initial consultation to the successful outcome of your procedure, we are committed to delivering outstanding, thorough care that exceeds your expectations.

We perform:

Cataracts
Diabetic Macular Oedema
Glaucoma
Wet Macular Degeneration
Refractive Errors

Cataracts: Private Eye Surgery in Devon

Private cataract surgery has become a popular and effective option for those suffering from the challenges posed by cataracts. This eye condition leads to a cloudy lens, which can significantly hinder vision. In Devon, many individuals are choosing private cataract surgery because of the various advantages it provides.

Cataracts are a common eye issue that causes the normally clear lens to become opaque, greatly diminishing visual sharpness. Under healthy conditions, this lens allows for clear sight, but cataracts disrupt this clarity. Over time, these cloudy areas can grow, putting patients at risk of severe vision loss or even blindness.

While cataracts typically affect both eyes, they can occasionally develop in just one eye, or one eye may be more severely impacted than the other. The main reason cataracts form is due to the breakdown of lens tissue, which leads to the accumulation of protein clusters that block light from passing through the lens properly.

Cataract treatment

At present, there are no medical breakthroughs that can effectively slow down or stop the development of cataracts. Nevertheless, there is an effective solution for those looking to improve their vision: replacing the cloudy natural lens with an artificial intraocular lens. This procedure not only significantly enhances visual clarity but also has the potential to greatly boost one’s overall quality of life.

Cataract surgery is recognised globally as one of the most frequently performed, safest, and most successful surgical procedures available. During the operation, experienced surgeons carefully extract the cloudy lens and make a small incision at the eye’s edge to insert the new lens.

One of the advantages of this small incision is that it usually heals naturally, which means no stitches are necessary and recovery is quick and uncomplicated. The whole surgery typically takes about 15 to 30 minutes, and with the use of anaesthesia, patients can expect a completely painless experience.

Diabetic-Macular Oedema Private Eye Surgery in Devon

What is diabetic macular?

The retina serves an essential function, acting like a thin protective layer at the back of the eye. This complex arrangement of cells is crucial for our vision, with the macula being especially significant as it is responsible for perceiving vivid colours and fine details. Unfortunately, diabetes can disrupt the delicate blood vessels in this area, including those in the macula.

When diabetes strikes, these tiny capillaries can weaken, leading to leaks of fluid and proteins. This leakage causes the macula to become swollen and overloaded with moisture, a condition 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 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 Devon

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma refers to a collection of eye disorders marked by increased pressure within the eye. This rise in intraocular pressure (IOP) can lead to damage to the optic nerve and gradually diminish peripheral vision. Treatment options for glaucoma depend on the specific type of condition diagnosed. One of the major concerns with glaucoma is that it often develops quietly, showing no obvious pain or changes in vision.

As a result, individuals might be unaware of the problem until significant peripheral vision loss occurs. The Medical Eye Clinic is a reputable establishment, featuring a dedicated team of ophthalmologists and optometrists who are experts in delivering thorough care for glaucoma patients.

Glaucoma Treatment

Caring for glaucoma is a long-term commitment that necessitates regular visits and continuous care. At our esteemed Medical Eye Clinic in Exeter, we provide a variety of specialised treatments aimed at effectively lowering intraocular pressure (IOP), which is essential for managing this condition. Our dedicated glaucoma specialist will work with you to create a customised treatment plan that meets your unique needs.

Glaucoma Eye Drops

Traditionally, glaucoma eye drops have been the cornerstone of treatment, yielding significant results. However, using them consistently is crucial, which typically means a daily routine. For some people, the process of applying eye drops can be uncomfortable, and specific health issues might make this method inappropriate for their care.

Thankfully, the Medical Eye Clinic offers various alternative treatment options alongside eye drops, ensuring that each patient receives personalised and complete care.

Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty, or SLT

SLT provides an effective and straightforward solution for reducing intraocular pressure in individuals dealing with glaucoma. This procedure leverages advanced laser technology to enhance the eye’s drainage system, leading to a significant decrease in pressure. Before the treatment, a few drops of anaesthetic are applied to ensure comfort during the process.

It’s important to avoid driving right after the procedure; however, many people find they can drive again by the next day. Some may experience temporary light sensitivity for about a week, and in more serious cases, anti-inflammatory eye drops might be required to manage this discomfort. Additionally, around 3% of patients might notice a short-term spike in eye pressure after the laser treatment, but this usually stabilises quickly.

SLT has shown effectiveness in about 80% of glaucoma patients, and while it may take a few weeks to see the full benefits, the intraocular pressure generally remains stable for several years, reducing the need for frequent eye drop use. To track progress and outcomes of the treatment, patients will have regular follow-up appointments that utilise state-of-the-art technology, including OCT, visual field tests, and IOP measurements. If deemed necessary, the procedure can be repeated to ensure the best results.

It’s also essential to remember that optometrists often detect early signs of glaucoma during routine eye exams. We encourage you to contact our Exeter eye clinic to arrange your regular eye check-up and discuss any questions you might have.

Wet Macular Degeneration Private Eye Surgery in Devon

What is the Macula?

The retina acts as a delicate membrane that wraps around the back of the eye, much like a sensitive film. Within this intricate structure, a variety of specialised cells collaborate to create the experience of vision.

A key component of this system is the macula, an essential part of the retina responsible for detecting bright colours and fine details, enabling us to truly appreciate the beauty of the world around us.

What treatment is available?

The formation of an abnormal network of blood vessels is largely influenced by a signalling molecule known as Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF). This molecule plays a key role in the ongoing growth and leakage of these vessels. To combat this issue, researchers have developed specialised humanised antibodies, referred to as anti-VEGF agents.

These agents are tailored to specifically target VEGF, effectively reducing its impact on the irregular blood vessel network associated with wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). As a result, the problematic vessels cease to leak and expand, thereby slowing the progression of wet AMD. To treat wet macular degeneration, a method called intravitreal therapy (IVT) is utilised.

This approach involves repeated injections of anti-VEGF agents directly into the vitreous cavity—the main hollow space at the back of the eye. The primary goal of this treatment is to dry out the macula, the area most affected by wet AMD, and alleviate its harmful effects.

Refractive Errors Private Eye Surgery in Devon

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) is an innovative surgical procedure that addresses issues related to the eye’s natural lens. The surgery involves removing the existing lens and inserting a specially crafted artificial lens.

This advanced lens is tailored to correct particular vision problems, providing outstanding clarity at various distances and seamlessly fitting into your everyday life.

Am I suitable for refractive lens exchange surgery?

As people enter their late 40s and early 50s, it’s common to experience changes in vision, particularly when it comes to focusing on objects at different distances. This is often due to alterations in the crystalline lens of the eye. For those facing significant vision issues like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, refractive lens exchange surgery can be a viable solution.

This procedure can significantly enhance one’s quality of life by reducing or even eliminating the dependency on glasses or contact lenses. By opting for this surgery, individuals can embrace a more flexible and liberated lifestyle, free from the complications of visual aids.

Benefits of Private Eye Surgery in Devon

Enhanced Treatment Availability

Private healthcare offers a major advantage over the long waiting times typically faced in the NHS. Many patients find themselves waiting six months or longer for essential surgeries through the NHS.

In contrast, our well-regarded Private eye surgery in Devon can usually schedule treatment within just a few weeks of the initial consultation. This ensures that patients receive the vital care they need without unnecessary delays.

The Significance of Prompt Treatment Access

The quick availability of Private eye surgery in Devon is incredibly important for several reasons. To start with, getting treatment without delay can significantly cut down on waiting times, which is vital because prolonged waits can worsen a patient’s eyesight and affect their quality of life. Everyday activities like reading, driving, and recognising friends can become increasingly challenging, leading to frustration and a greater reliance on others, which can ultimately diminish personal independence.

Furthermore, ignoring eye issues might result in more serious complications, such as ongoing inflammation, glaucoma, or even total vision loss in extreme cases. Thus, the sooner patients can receive care, the less likely they are to face complications and the faster they can regain their usual vision. Additionally, having quick access to treatment helps reduce the anxiety and stress that often come with waiting for a medical procedure, which can significantly improve overall mental health.

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.