Cataract Surgery in the West Midlands
At Manoj Cataract Centre in my two clinic locations in the West Midlands: Nuffield Hospital in Wolverhampton and Beacon Park Hospital in Stafford, I offer both NHS cataract surgery with standard fixed-focus lenses and premium private options with advanced IOLs.
Premium implants, such as multifocal and astigmatism-correcting lenses, reduce dependence on glasses, offering personalised solutions for improved vision beyond what’s available through the NHS.
Wolverhampton & Stafford
Leading Cataract Surgeon
Mr. Manoj performs over 2000 cataract surgeries each year, ten times more than the national average, making him one of the leading cataract surgeons in the UK.
Direct Access to Your Consultant
After your surgery, you'll have direct access to Mr Manoj via his personal mobile for any post-op concerns, even outside regular hours - a unique, patient-focused offering.
Approved by All UK Health Insurers
Mr. Manoj is fully fee-assured with all UK health insurers.
If your insurer has not offered him as a choice, please get in contact, and we will resolve it for you.
What Exactly Are Cataracts?
Cataracts occur when the eye's natural lens gradually becomes cloudy, leading to blurred vision and dimmed images. This condition typically develops slowly, often going unnoticed until vision deteriorates significantly.
Common symptoms include difficulty seeing at night, halos around lights, and a washed-out appearance of colours. If you're experiencing changes in your eyesight, it's crucial to consult an expert promptly. Understanding cataracts and their effects can empower you to make informed decisions about your treatment options for improved quality of life.
What are the Symptoms of Cataracts?
Patients with cataracts often report a range of vision issues, including difficulty seeing at night, halos around bright lights, and a washed-out appearance of colours. They may also experience increased glare from headlights, eye fatigue, and a persistent feeling that they need new glasses.
These symptoms develop gradually, which can lead to underestimating their severity. It's essential to consult an eye specialist promptly if you notice any changes in your vision, as early detection and treatment can significantly improve your quality of life and visual clarity.
What Causes Cataracts?
Cataracts are predominantly caused by age-related degeneration of the lens, resulting in three main types: nuclear sclerosis, cortical cataract, and posterior subcapsular opacification.
These changes lead to hazy vision, increasing the risk of accidents and social withdrawal. While they are common, untreated cataracts can severely impact daily activities, making simple tasks like reading or driving challenging. Fortunately, advancements in treatment can significantly restore vision, giving individuals a renewed sense of independence and enhancing their overall quality of life.
Treating Cataracts
Cataract surgery is a quick and painless procedure, typically performed under local anaesthesia, lasting around 10-20 minutes. The procedure uses a technique called phacoemulsification, where the cataract is removed through small incisions—typically 1mm and 2.2mm in size. The new lens implant is then inserted through the larger incision, and thanks to the self-sealing nature of the wound, sutures are not required.
For patients who are anxious about needles, topical anaesthetic drops can be used to numb the eye, and sedation options are available for added comfort. This advanced method ensures a smoother recovery, enhances vision quality, and provides a more reassuring surgical experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cataract Surgery
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Q. When Can I Drive After Cataract Surgery?A. The law requires you to be able to see the number plate at 20.5m with both eyes together. If you reach this standard and you feel confident to drive, you can do so within a week of surgery.
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Q. Does Cataract Surgery Hurt?A. There will be little or no discomfort during the procedure. While you will be awake during the procedure, steps will be taken to ensure that you don’t feel any pain. Numbing eye drops are used in the eye to prevent discomfort. After medications wear off after surgery, you may find some minor eye discomfort. If you experience any pain after surgery, it is usually very mild, and you can manage it with over-the-counter pain medication.
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Q. How Long Does It Take To Recover From Cataract Surgery?A. The recovery time from cataract surgery is short. Any discomfort or soreness you feel should disappear within a few days. Depending on the size and nature of your cataracts and your ability to heal, full recovery should take about four to six weeks. During this time, you want to be sure to follow all the after-surgery instructions.
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Q. When Is The Right Time To Have Cataract Surgery?A. If you have vision problems and cataracts, then surgery might be the right time. It’s possible you may experience vision problems, such as halos or glare, before your optician notices any significant clouding of the lens. This can be reason enough to consider cataract surgery if you need better visual acuity. The general advice is to wait till you feel the symptoms are affecting your day to day life, or if you feel you are not able to see as well as you could before.
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Q. When Can I Exercise After Cataract Surgery?A. Avoid strenuous exercise in the first 2-4 weeks after surgery. You can go for walks, but avoid running/ jogging for 4 weeks. Avoid lifting heavy weights for 4 weeks.
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Q. When Can I Swim After Cataract Surgery?A. Avoid swimming for 4-6 weeks after surgery.
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Q. When Can I Play Golf?A. If you take it easy, you can start playing golf a week after surgery.
“I had two cataract operations this year at your hospital, plus the assessment follow-up services. I can’t think of anything to improve the service! I would like to thank everybody involved. My surgeon, Mr Manoj, was outstandingly speedy and did a great job, but he also treated me as an individual.
My life has changed in that I can now drive, read, and use the computer again. Some people think it’s not worth bothering with geriatrics, but as far as I’m concerned, it’s given me another ten years (I hope) of not being a nuisance to the family and restored my independence!”
- X.P
Start Your Journey to Better Vision
Fast-track your eye care with no waiting lists. Schedule your free consultation today to discuss your cataract surgery options with Mr Manoj.