Cataract removal surgery at Spire Wellesley Hospital

Here at Spire Wellesley, we’re proud to have a team of ophthalmologists (eye specialists) that provide cataract treatment centred around your needs.

We offer fast access to tests, scans and treatment and hassle-free booking with appointment times to suit you.

At Spire Wellesley, 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 (a problem with focusing)
• Multifocal – corrects both near and distance vision, like varifocal glasses

We also have a choice of different makes including:

• Eyecee
• Alcon
• Tecnis
• Sensor
• Ziesslisa

We also have special equipment which uses a variety of biometry and refractive techniques to measure the shape and size of your eye. This is so your consultant can calculate the power of your intraocular lens implants.

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

Getting here

Spire Wellesley Hospital is a couple of miles from Southend town centre, just off the A127. We’re a short taxi ride from Southend train station, which has a fast and regular connection to London Liverpool Street. We have free on-site parking available for you and your visitors.

Your consultations

An appointment will be arranged with one of our highly trained consultants within a few days of your enquiry. You’ll meet them in one of our 16 consultation rooms to discuss any symptoms or a previous diagnosis. They may carry out tests such as:

• Sight tests
• Biometry testing – to calculate the power of the new intraocular lens (IOL) required

Your consultant will explain how cataract surgery works and the options available to you, what you can expect afterwards and any risks. We encourage you to ask any questions you may have at this stage.

You’ll only be with us for a few hours for your operation so won’t need an overnight bag. However, it may be necessary to bring:

• 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

If you’ve come with a friend or family member, they’re welcome to wait in our lounge while you have your operation.

On arrival 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: