Drop-free cataract surgery

At Newmedica, we promise to provide only the cataract treatment that is right for our patients.

What is drop-free cataract surgery?

Drop-free cataract surgery is a new approach to cataract treatment that eliminates the need for post-operative eye drops. Traditionally, after cataract surgery, patients are required to use a series of eye drops to prevent infection, reduce inflammation, and promote healing.

However, with drop-free cataract surgery, these medications are administered during the actual cataract procedure itself.

What are the benefits of being drop-free?

Going drop-free means you won't require eye drops after your cataract surgery. The drops are administered during the surgery, so you shouldn't require drops during your aftercare.

Does Newmedica offer dropless cataract solutions?

Yes, at Newmedica we offer a drop-free solution for patients who may physically struggle to put the drops in or may forget to do so, due to dementia or Alzheimer’s.

We offer drop-free cataract solutions as part of our commitment to providing the latest and most convenient treatment options for our patients. Our experienced surgeons use advanced techniques to ensure a smooth and effective procedure, helping you achieve the best possible outcome with minimal hassle.

However, we will only offer the solution, if we feel it's the best solution for the patient, due to the associated risks.

Is drop-free cataract surgery right for me?

Drop-free cataract surgery might be the right choice for you, if you physically struggle to put the drops in or may forget to do so, due to dementia or Alzheimer’s. However, it's essential to discuss your specific needs and medical history with your consultant to determine if this procedure is the best option for you.

Along with experienced ophthalmologists, including the NHS and Royal College of Ophthalmologists, at Newmedica, we believe the use of eye drops post cataract surgery provides the best outcome for patients. While not having to put drops in after surgery will feel easier for some patients, we need to be cognisant of the well-documented increased risks of steroid injections.

Is drop-free cataract surgery safe?

Yes, drop-free cataract surgery is safe, but the main concern is that the steroid treatment, used in both post cataract surgery eye drops and drop-free cataract surgery, are known to raise intraocular pressure in 5-10% of cases. The pressure rise can be significant, which can led to damage to the optic nerve, known as glaucoma.

The benefit of the eye drop is that it’s carried out over a number of weeks, meaning it can be quickly and easily stopped or altered, to reduce or stop the pressure increase, so damage is unlikely.

With the drop-free steroid injection, it’s not possible to stop the treatment because it’s been carried out in one go. The increase in pressure may happen six to eight weeks after surgery, which means patients may not start showing increased pressure until after they’ve seen their optometrist for their post-operation assessment.

The only way to treat the pressure increase and to avoid glaucoma and long-term damage to the eye, is by surgical excision of the area of the conjunctiva, with patients needing treatment for several months.

If drop-free is recommended to you, the procedure will be performed by our experienced surgeons who ensure that everything goes smoothly. Your safety and well-being are always the top priority.

Who’s eligible for dropless treatments?

Eligibility for drop-free treatments should always be decided between the patient and the consultant. At Newmedica, our consultants who own and work in our clinics will evaluate your specific situation to determine if it's the right option for you. At Newmedica we promise to only provide the cataract treatment that is right for our patients, so if we feel the drop-free solution is the right method, we will let you know.

Getting referred to Newmedica

If you think you have an eye condition, you should see your optician or GP for a detailed assessment. They’ll go through all the options available and tell you where you can have your treatment.

The referral process will differ slightly depending on whether you want to be an NHS or private patient. You’ll find all the information you need on our NHS and private patient pages.

Are you a health care professional?
Find out how to refer a patient.

NHS patients

Learn more about our NHS services
and how you can be referred.

Read more

Private patients

Find details about our private
options and how to get started.

Read more

Self-referring? Call 0800 4096 792

Find a location

Barlborough

Unit 1B and 1C Midland Place, Barlborough Links, Chesterfield, S43 4FR

Birmingham

Aqueous One, Aston Cross Business Village, Rocky Lane, Birmingham, B6 5RQ

Bracknell

Venture House, 2 Arlington Square, Downshire Way, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 1WA

Bradford and Huddersfield

Park House, Woodland Park, Bradford Road, Cleckheaton, West Yorkshire, BD19 6BW

Brigg

Riverside Surgery, Barnard Avenue, Brigg, DN20 8AS

Bristol - Aztec West

Building 720, Waterside Drive, Aztec West, Almondsbury, Bristol, BS32 4UD

Bristol - Litfield House

Litfield House Medical Centre, 1 Litfield Place, Clifton Down, Bristol, BS8 3LS

Bromsgrove

BHI Parkside, Stourbridge Road, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, B61 0AE

Bury St Edmunds

Newmedica, Clarity House, Kempson Way, Bury St Edmunds, IP32 7AR

Cheshire Oaks

Units 3-4, The Oaks Office Park, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, CH2 4HY

Darlington

Park Place Health Centre, Park Place, Darlington DL1 5LW

Exeter

The Medical Eye Clinic, Sigford Road, Matford Park, Exeter, EX2 8NL

Gloucester - Aspen

Aspen Medical Centre, Horton Road, Gloucester, GL1 3PX

Gloucester - Brighouse

19D Brighouse Court, Barnwood, Gloucester, GL4 3RT

Grimsby

Cromwell Primary Care Centre, 1st Floor, Cromwell Road, Grimsby, DN31 2BH

Hampshire

St Andrew's House, 4400 Parkway, Solent Business Park, Whiteley, PO15 7FJ

Harrogate

2 Grove Park Court, Harrogate, HG1 4DP

Ipswich

London House, Hadleigh Road, Ipswich, IP2 0EE

Keyworth

Village Health Group, Bunny Lane, Keyworth, Nottingham, NG12 5JU

Langford

Mendip Vale Medical Centre, Pudding Pie Lane, Langford, BS40 5EL

Leeds

St Martins House, 210 Chapeltown Road, Leeds, LS7 4HZ

Leicester

Grove Park, 1 Barton Close, Leicester, LE19 1SJ

Lincoln

North Hykeham Health Centre, Moor Lane, North Hykeham, Lincoln, LN6 9BA

Manchester

Unit 27 Cobra Court, 2 Blackmore Road, Manchester, M32 0QY

Middlesbrough

29-30 Market Place, North Ormesby, Middlesbrough, TS3 6HR

Newcastle

Hadrian House, Balliol Business Park, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE12 8EW

Northampton

Unit 2 Westbury Court, Anglia Way, Moulton Park, Northampton, NN3 6JA

Norwich

Lakeside 200, Old Chapel Way, Broadland Business Park, Norwich, NR7 0WG

Nottingham

Tottle Road, Riverside Business Park, Nottingham, NG2 1RT

Nuneaton

GP Led Health Centre, Ramsden Avenue, Camp Hill, Nuneaton, CV10 9EB

Oxfordshire

Avalon House, Marcham Road, Abingdon, OX14 1TZ

Plymouth

Forder House, 20 William Prance Road, Derriford, Plymouth, PL6 5WR

Shrewsbury

Unit 2, Anchorage Ave., Shrewsbury Bus. Park, Shrewsbury, SY2 6FG

Slough

Buckland House, Langley Business Park, 10 Waterside Drive, Langley, Slough, Berkshire, SL3 6EZ

Swindon

Unit 10, Dorcan Business Village, 10 Murdock Road, Swindon, SN3 5HY

Wakefield

106 Barnsley Road, Wakefield, WF1 5NX

Welwyn Garden City

3 Falcon Gate, Shire Park, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, AL7 1TW

Worcester

Unit 5, Berkeley Business Park, Wainwright Road, Worcester, WR4 9FA

Worksop

The Dukeries, 31-33 Retford Road, Worksop, S80 2PU

How long does dropless cataract surgery recovery take?

Recovery from drop less cataract surgery is typically quick. Most people notice an improvement in their vision within a few days. However, full recovery can take a few weeks. It's important to follow your surgeon's instructions and attend all follow-up appointments to ensure a smooth recovery.

Can both eyes receive dropless treatment?

Yes, both eyes can receive drop less treatment, either at the same time or in separate procedures. Your eye doctor will discuss the best approach for your specific needs. It's all about finding the most convenient and effective solution for you.

Patient stories