You can have NHS eyelid and tear duct surgery with us here at Newmedica. Read on to learn more about NHS treatment and whether it's right for you.
In severe cases of certain eyelid and tear duct conditions, particularly those that are causing vision problems or pain, surgery is the most effective treatment. As long as you're eligible, your surgery can be fully funded by the NHS. You won't have to pay anything else on top, even for your appointments.
Patients living in England can access NHS eyelid and tear duct treatment where surgery is medically necessary. This means their condition is causing significant visual impairment, persistent discomfort or pain, or difficulties in daily life. Specialist assessment may be required to prove this.
Several eyelid issues can be effectively treated by surgery. These include:
Ptosis: When the upper eyelid remains partially closed due to weakening of the levator muscle
Ectropion: When the lower eyelid folds away from the eye, failing to provide sufficient protection
Entropion: When the eyelid folds inwards and touches the eye's surface
Tears are drained from your eyes through tiny ducts that sometimes narrow or become blocked. The buildup of tears then leads to watery eyes, and in the long run it can result in infections and swelling.
While some patients undergo eyelid correction for cosmetic reasons, NHS surgery is only available for cases where an eyelid is causing significant functional impairment. E.g. obstructing vision, causing discomfort, spasming, or causing recurrent infections.
Your eyelids stretch with age, which can lead to an excess of skin that causes or exacerbates eyelid issues. The excess tissue can be surgically removed to restore eyelid function.
Ptosis repair involves tightening the levator muscle so that it can hold your eyelid fully open.
These conditions are corrected by tightening the muscles that surround the lower eyelid, enabling them to hold it in place properly so that it doesn't fold inwards or outwards.
This surgery widens the tear ducts by inflating a tiny balloon inside them. A stent is then placed inside to hold the duct open so that tears can drain normally.
Often abbreviated to DCR, this surgery creates a new duct to allow tears to drain into the nose when the existing one cannot be unblocked.
NHS eyelid and tear duct surgery begins with a diagnosis by your GP or optician. This will typically be followed up with an assessment by a specialist ophthalmologist or GP, who'll confirm whether the level of functional impairment makes surgery a necessity. You can then be referred to your chosen provider, such as Newmedica, and placed on their waiting list for surgery.
Following the surgery, your eyelids will be able to fully open and won't block any areas of your visual field.
Pain or discomfort around the eyes will be relieved, along with related issues like headaches from trying to force open heavy or drooping eyelids.
Pooled, warm tears allow bacteria to thrive. Unblocking the tear ducts so these can drain helps prevent infections and other complications.
Side effects are common in the weeks after eyelid or tear duct surgery. They can include:
Swelling and bruising
Watery or dry eyes
Blurred vision
Increased sensitivity to light
Redness and irritation
Scarring
Waiting times for NHS eyelid and tear duct surgery depend on the clinic you go to, but you'll usually have your first appointment within a few weeks of your referral to us. You'll then be placed on our waiting list for surgery, which is often short compared to other providers.
At Newmedica, we believe everyone deserves great eye care. That's why you can have your NHS eyelid and tear duct surgery performed by our highly experienced team of top surgeons without paying any additional costs. We also offer short waiting times and convenient locations across England.
Ask your GP to refer you to Newmedica to get started as an NHS patient.
I can’t fault the service at Newmedica. It was amazing. Everyone was so helpful, the surgery was so quick and efficient.
Joan’s story
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‘I love cooking, and now I can actually see what I’m doing in the kitchen again. Suddenly I’m able to cook my older recipes with the family.
Karen’s story
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I had a first-class experience and can’t praise the team enough. I have worn glasses for a long time but my sight is so clear and sharp.
Allen’s story
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