At the moment, the only available treatment for cataracts is surgery. This procedure involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with a clear artificial one called an intraocular lens. Altogether, this procedure only takes around 10-20 minutes to complete.
Our eye clinic in Harrogate has state-of-the-art facilities, and we have a large focus on patient experience to help us deliver the best care possible. Newmedica use the highest quality lenses.
Harrogate Cataract surgery: what to expect at Newmedica
Our team will be there to support you throughout the stages of your cataract surgery.
Before surgery:
Before your cataract surgery, we’ll test your current vision and carry out a biometry test that takes measurements of your eye. This is so your consultant can ensure that your new replacement lens is the right one for you. Our clinical assistants will go through some health checks and explain what’s involved in the procedure. Your consultant will then examine your eyes in more detail to ensure there isn’t anything which could affect your surgery. They will also answer any questions you have and discuss your available lens options.
During surgery:
Most cataract operations are carried out under a local anaesthetic, either by anaesthetic around the eye or eye drops. Don’t worry; there won’t be any needles used for this. You’ll be awake for the procedure and may be able to see movement around your eye, but won’t be able to feel anything. A very small incision is made into the eye to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with your new lens. Cataract surgery usually takes around 10-20 minutes. Our Balborough theatre team will be there to talk you through everything they’re doing, hold your hand if you’re anxious, and do what they can to make sure you feel comfortable.
After surgery:
We may recommend placing a small plastic shield over your eye to protect it from any accidental damage once your surgery is complete. Your consultant will prescribe you a course of eye drops, and you’ll need to use these for around three weeks. Before you leave our eye clinic, we’ll explain exactly how and when to use them. You’ll be able to go back home on the same day, but you won’t be able to drive straight away and will need to find an alternate way home. We’ll give you a call the next day to make sure you’re okay, that your vision is settling and you’re happy with how to use your eye drops. We’ll also arrange the necessary follow-up appointments with your consultant or preferred optician to make sure your recovery is on track and your vision is clear.
Why choose Newmedica for your cataract surgery in Harrogate?
At our Harrogate eye clinic, the whole team will help you feel comfortable and will be there throughout your time with us. Our Newmedica surgical centres are led by consultant ophthalmologists who will be sure to give you the warmest welcome. We understand that you may be feeling anxious about your surgery, so everything will be explained to you about your treatment.
We’re dedicated to understanding your needs and use personalised care to provide you with the best possible experience. We know that this type of approach results in measurably better outcomes, and to further help our patients get the best clinical results, we provide the highest quality lenses. This includes some which can reduce how much reliance you have on your glasses. We have short waiting times, which means you’ll have your first appointment within just a couple of weeks. We also aim to complete cataract treatment within only eight weeks of your referral.
Meet our consultants
We offer patients access to leading consultants who are also partners in the business, meaning they’re directly involved in setting our high standards of care.
How much does cataract surgery cost in Harrogate at Newmedica?
If you’re getting private cataract surgery, this will start from £2,295 per eye for a monofocal lens replacement. There are different specialist lens types available for a range of costs, which we will explain to you clearly. There’s a single fixed price to make everything straightforward, so there aren’t any hidden fees to surprise you. This means you’ll pay one price for your replacement lens, surgery, all pre- and post-operative appointments, and all medication.
If you’re receiving NHS-funded treatment from us, then your treatment costs with Newmedica will be fully covered, with no additional cost to you.
0% finance on treatments over £1,000
Perks of private cataract surgery
There are several reasons why some of our patients decide to choose private treatment.
One reason for this is that you might have to wait longer to get cataract surgery on the NHS. This is because the NHS have specific thresholds, usually linked to impact on vision, which you have to qualify for in order to have NHS cataract surgery. You don’t necessarily have to meet the local NHS guidelines when going private. Instead, you can have the procedure when you feel like your vision is impacting your lifestyle.
During cataract surgery, your cloudy lens will be replaced with a lens implant. There are different types of lenses, and the one you choose will determine how well you see without glasses after surgery. The standard replacement used on the NHS is a monofocal lens, which can improve your vision for a specific distance (like far away or close up). With private surgery, you can still choose to get a monofocal lens, but there are other specialist options to explore. Picking a different type of lens could reduce your dependency on glasses after your surgery (at an additional cost). This includes:
A multifocal option: useful for seeing far away, intermediate, or up close.
An extended focus option: provides a continuous focus over a range of distances.
Some people have astigmatism, which is where the cornea at the front of the eye is shaped more like a rugby ball than a football. If you have this, you can get a corrective lens called a toric, and this can be incorporated into any of these specialist lenses.
Private cataract treatment with Newmedica
We offer a range of high quality lenses for distance and intermediate vision starting from just £2295 per eye, so you can get back to doing what you love as quickly as possible.
Can I get cataract surgery through the NHS?
You’ll be entitled to get NHS funded-treatment with us at our eye clinic in Harrogate if you usually (and lawfully) live in England, which means you’re known as ‘ordinarily resident’.
The NHS offers you a choice of where you’d like to receive your NHS-funded treatment. This can help you make the best choices for your circumstances and give you more control over your care. We provide services for NHS ICBs, NHS Trusts and Foundation Trusts, as well as other providers of NHS-funded services across England. We work in partnership with the NHS to treat a number of eye conditions and provide specialist treatment. Whichever eye condition you need care for, we’re here to look after you and support you.