Private cataract surgery Brentwood

At Spire Hartswood Hospital, our team of consultant ophthalmologists (eye specialists) can offer you cataract removal surgery and lens options that are recommended for you and your needs. We offer fast access to diagnostic tests and scans and easy booking with appointment times to suit you, so you don't have to wait long.

At Spire Hartswood Hospital, we offer a range of intraocular lenses. Your consultant will help you choose the best option for you. They include:

• Monofocal – corrects either short or long sight, with a choice of three focal points
• Toric – a monofocal lens that helps correct astigmatism
• Multifocal – corrects both near and distance vision, like varifocal glasses

We also have a choice of different makes including:

• Alcon
• AMO
• Oculentis
• Rayner
• Tecnis

You may still need to wear glasses after cataract surgery, depending on your eyesight and your choice of lens.

Getting here

We’re easy to reach by car or public transport. If you’re unable to drive or use public transport, our reception staff will be happy to arrange a taxi for you.

Your consultations

One of our experienced consultant ophthalmologists will offer you an initial consultation within a few days of enquiry.

All your consultations will take place in a private room. During your consultations, we'll:

• Ask about your medical history
• Carry out a series of tests, including a sight test and biometry testing – to calculate the power of the new intraocular lens (IOL) required
• Explain about the procedure, anaesthetic, the different types of IOLs available, and any potential cataract surgery complications and risks and how they may affect you
• Give you a chance to ask any questions you have about your treatment

When you come in for your operation, you’ll only be with us for a short period of time, so you won’t need to bring much. However, you may need:

• Sunglasses or a hat to wear when leaving hospital as things may look bright afterwards
• Hearing aids if you wear them
• A change of shirt or top as a rinsing fluid is used during the procedure

Here’s what will happen after you arrive for your cataract surgery:

• You’ll meet your surgery team and will be given eye drops to dilate your pupil and make it easier for your surgeon to see your lens
• You may be given a sedative to help you feel relaxed
• You’ll also be given a local anaesthetic, usually in the form of eye drops, so you won’t feel anything during the procedure
• Your surgeon will make a small incision in the front of your eye (cornea) and remove your clouded lens, using a process called phacoemulsification, which breaks the lens up into small fragments
• They’ll then insert your new intraocular lens

After your cataract surgery, you’ll be taken to a recovery room to relax until your surgeon says you’re ready to go home. This is usually a few hours after cataract surgery.

Although everybody’s different and you should always follow your consultant’s advice, here’s a typical recovery timeline for cataract surgery: