Cataract surgery in Exeter

Surgery is currently the only treatment available for cataracts, and it can greatly improve your vision. The procedure involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial clear one called an intraocular lens. It takes around 15 minutes to complete, and many people see better than they did before they developed cataracts. 

Our eye clinic in Exeter has state-of-the-art facilities, and our friendly team will be there for you throughout your time with us to deliver the best possible care.

Exeter Cataract surgery: what to expect at Newmedica

Our team have a focus on patient care and will look after you throughout your cataract surgery. 

Pre-surgery: 

Before you have your surgery, we’ll test your current vision and do a biometry test that takes measurements of your eye so your consultant can make sure that your replacement lens is suitable for you. Our clinical assistants will do some relevant health checks and explain more about the procedure. Your consultant will then check your eyes so they can be sure there’s nothing that could affect your surgery, as well as answer any questions you have and discuss the available lens options.

During surgery: 

Many cataract surgeries are carried out under a local anaesthetic, either by putting anaesthetic around the eye or by using eye drops (no needles are involved in this). You’ll be awake for the surgery and might be able to see movement, but you won’t feel anything. A tiny incision in the eye will be made in order to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with your new lens. We understand this might sound unnerving, but our Exeter theatre team will be there to make sure you’re comfortable and will talk you through everything they do during the procedure. If you’re feeling anxious, someone from our team can hold your hand if you’d like. 

Post-surgery: 

After your surgery, we might recommend putting a small plastic shield over your eye to prevent it from getting accidentally damaged. You’ll need to use eye drops for around three weeks and these will be prescribed by your consultant. We’ll make sure you’re aware of how and when to use them before you go home. You’re able to go home on the same day as your surgery, but you won’t be able to drive straight away. We’ll call you the day after to check you’re okay, that you understand how to use your eye drops, and that your vision is returning. We’ll also arrange follow-up appointments to make sure your vision is clear, and check that your recovery is going well.

Why choose Newmedica for your cataract surgery in Exeter?

Our hospitals are owned and led by consultant doctors who care for you and are dedicated to understanding your needs. We use personalised patient care to help you feel at ease, and because we know that this results in measurably better outcomes. At our Newmedica locations, we also choose to use the highest quality lenses to get the best possible clinical outcomes for our patients, including some which can reduce your dependency on glasses.  

When you come to our Exeter eye clinic, we’ll give you a warm welcome and answer any questions you have about your treatment.

How much does cataract surgery cost in Exeter at Newmedica?

Cataract surgery at our Exeter eye clinic is NHS only, so all of your treatment costs with us will be fully covered, with no additional cost to you. 

Perks of private cataract surgery

Our Exeter eye clinic offers cataract treatment as NHS only, but you can get private treatment if you’d like at one of our other Newmedica locations that has it available. There are multiple reasons why many people choose to go for private cataract treatment. 

Sometimes, people have to wait a little longer to receive cataract treatment on the NHS. This is due to the NHS having certain thresholds to qualify for NHS cataract treatment (usually linked to impact on vision). If you make the decision to get private cataract surgery, then you can have the procedure when you feel that your vision is affecting your lifestyle. Because of this, you won’t necessarily have to meet the local NHS guidelines. 

The procedure involves removing your cloudy lens and replacing it with a lens implant. The lens type you choose will determine how well you see without glasses after your cataract surgery. With NHS cataract surgery, the standard replacement used is a monofocal lens, and this improves your vision for a particular distance (like up close or far away). With private surgery, a monofocal lens replacement is still there as an option, but you’ll also get to choose a different lens type if you’d like. Doing this could reduce your dependency on glasses after surgery (at an additional cost). Options include: 

• An extended focus lens: provides a continuous focus over a range of distances. 

• A multifocal lens: for good distance, up-close and intermediate vision. 

Astigmatism is where the cornea at the front of the eye is more like a rugby ball shape than a football. If you have astigmatism and you want one of these specialist lenses, then you can get the right correction incorporated into them. This type of corrective lens is known as a toric, which is a word you might have come across before if you wear contact lenses.

Can I get cataract surgery through the NHS?

Yes, you’ll be entitled to get NHS-funded treatment with us at our eye clinic in Exeter if you usually (and lawfully) live in England, which means you’re known as ‘ordinarily resident.’ Our Exeter location only provides cataract treatment as NHS-funded. 

So you can make the best decisions for your circumstances, the NHS gives you a choice of where you’d like to get your NHS-funded treatment. Newmedica are providers of NHS-funded services across England, like NHS IBCs, NHS Trusts, and Foundation Trusts. We work in partnership with the NHS to give patients high-quality care and specialist treatments for various eye conditions. Whether you need help with cataracts or a different eye condition, we’re here to give you the care you deserve.