Cataract surgery has one of the highest quality of life improvements for any procedure. As with any operation, the technical expertise of the surgeon is paramount in achieving a good outcome. Mr Stirling uses the most advanced technique available today called phacoemulsification which allows the cataract to be removed through a tiny incision (less than 3mm in width). Surgery is done under local anaesthesia as a day case procedure. BMI Woodlands has recently invested in a new state of the art surgical and biometry equipment to provide the very best outcomes.
The first step is an in-depth consultation with Mr Stirling who will examine your eyes in detail and discuss with you the options. If you decide to proceed with surgery, the cataract removal will be performed by Mr Stirling as will all of your post-operative care.
We offer a fixed price package for patients undergoing cataract surgery at BMI Woodlands from £2470* per eye. This package includes the use of the latest generation mono-focal lens implant. Astigmatism correcting, extended depth of field and multifocal lens implants are also available at an additional cost (see prices).
*This does not include the initial consultation fee of £250
Cataract Surgery Consultations Darlington
We are based at Woodlands Hospital, Darlington and provide cataract surgery to patients across County Durham, North Yorkshire, Stockton on Tees, Middlesbrough and further afield. We offer private services for self- pay patients and are registered by all the major private health insurance companies.
Your eyes are precious. Please book an appointment on line, by email or telephone. No referral is required from your GP. Please click on the link iwantgreatcare at the bottom of the page for the latest patient reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
The eye can be likened to a camera. Light enters the eye through the clear cornea and is focused onto the retina by the lens. The lens is surrounded by an elastic capsule. A cataract is clouding of the lens inside the eye. Cataract is not a “skin” growing over the eye.
The commonest form is part of the normal age changes in an otherwise healthy eye. Cataract can also occur as a result of injury, inflammation inside the eyeball, diabetes or the use of long term steroid medication. People differ in the age at which cataracts start and the rate at which they progress.
When the lens of the eye becomes cloudy the image formed on the retina is not as clear. This results in blurred vision. Colours may lose their normal intensity and objects appear less bright. Some types of cataract make you more sensitive to bright lights with glare and dazzle, especially a problem when driving at night. Occasionally you may see two or even more images of an object out of one eye. The development of cataract can make you more short-sighted and lead to the need for frequent change of glasses. Cataract tends to progress and lead to a gradual deterioration in vision.
Basically when you are noticing a problem with your vision that is interfering with your life-style. People differ at the stage when they request an operation. If you do a lot of reading or fine work you may want your operation at an earlier stage than someone who spends most of their time outdoors. As surgery is becoming more advanced we tend to operate earlier than ten to fifteen years ago. You do not need to wait for the cataract to become “ripe”. Cataracts can be removed at any stage.
You need to balance of risks of cataract surgery (see later) against the benefits before deciding to go ahead with surgery.
The most modern technique available today is called phacoemulsification. This uses ultrasound energy to break up or emulsify the lens inside the eye. The use of ultrasound allows the cataract to be removed through a very small incision. This means that the eye heals quickly and with minimal distortion (or astigmatism). The incision is much smaller than that used previously; the wound is stronger and glasses can be prescribed at an earlier stage.