Cataract surgery in High Wycombe

Private cataract surgery at The Shelburne Hospital in High Wycombe

Cataracts are a common eye condition that can gradually affect your vision and make everyday activities more difficult. At The Shelburne Hospital, you can access private cataract surgery in High Wycombe with fast appointments, consultant-led care and a supportive hospital environment. 

Cataracts develop when the natural lens of your eye becomes cloudy, leading to blurred vision, glare sensitivity and difficulty seeing clearly, particularly in low light.  

Over time, this can affect your independence, confidence and quality of life. 

Choosing private cataract surgery allows you to receive timely treatment without waiting for your vision to deteriorate further. Your care is focused on accurate diagnosis, clear communication and safe, effective treatment tailored to your needs. 

Expert treatment when you need it 

Cataract surgery is a procedure used to restore clear vision by removing the clouded natural lens of your eye and replacing it with a clear artificial lens, known as an intraocular lens. 

The aim of the procedure is to improve your vision, making it easier to carry out everyday tasks such as reading, driving and recognising faces. 

Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed procedures worldwide and has a high success rate. It is typically carried out as a day-case procedure, allowing you to return home on the same day.

What happens during cataract surgery?

You might be wondering what the process of cataract removal surgery involves.

Most cataract operations are performed under local anaesthetic, which means that you’ll be awake during the operation, but you won’t feel any pain or see any instruments moving towards your eye.

Most cataract surgery in the UK is performed by phacoemulsification. During this process, your ophthalmologist will make a small incision on the side of your cornea. They will then insert a small, specially designed probe into your eye. This will emit ultrasound that breaks up the lens of your eye into very small pieces, meaning it can be removed using a suction technique.

After your lens has been removed, your ophthalmologist will usually replace it with an artificial lens. You will know which type of lens you will have fitted before your surgery. The type of lens you have fitted will depend on your individual visual needs. For example, whether you are long-sighted or short-sighted.

We offer a range of different lens options, including:

Monofocal lenses

A monofocal intraocular lens aims to reduce the need to wear glasses for distance vision.

Multifocal lenses

A multifocal intraocular lens aims to reduce the dependence on wearing glasses for intermediate and near vision.

Toric lenses

A toric intraocular lens aims to correct astigmatism, as well as near-sightedness and far-sightedness. Astigmatism happens when your eye is slightly curved, meaning light is focused at more than one place in your eye. It can cause blurred vision and sensitivity to light.

Your ophthalmologist will ensure you have the right lens fitted for your visual needs. Before your surgery, you will have an assessment with your ophthalmologist to discuss the following:

• Your lens preference depending on your visual needs
• Your expected recovery timeline
• The benefits of having surgery
• Whether you will need glasses following surgery

This assessment is there to ensure you feel safe and informed throughout each step of your healthcare journey.

How much does it cost?

You can choose to fund your treatment through self-pay (paying for yourself) or use private health insurance. We work with most major providers, and our friendly advisory team can help guide you through using your cover.

Our flexible payment options help you spread the cost of your payment across a time period that suits you. We offer fixed-term monthly payment plans over one to five years with no deposit required. If you decide to pay over 10 months, you will pay interest-free. If you are paying for a longer period, you will pay 9.9% APR.

How long does the procedure take?

Cataract removal surgery is a straightforward procedure that typically takes 15 to 30 minutes in total. If you require cataract removal surgery in both eyes, your consultant will wait for one to three weeks before performing cataract removal surgery on your second eye.

The incision made into your eye during surgery will heal on its own without stitches. A protective shield will usually be placed over your eye after surgery to accelerate your healing journey.

Remember, your healthcare team are here to answer any questions you have throughout each stage of your treatment journey. They will be able to keep you consistently informed about your procedure and how it is performed.

What does your recovery look like?

Recovery from cataract surgery is usually straightforward, and many patients notice an improvement in vision within a few days.

It can take several weeks for your vision to fully stabilise, during which time you will be given eye drops to reduce inflammation and prevent infection. It is important to use these as prescribed and attend all follow-up appointments.

You may be advised to avoid certain activities, such as swimming or strenuous exercise, for a short period. Your care team will guide you through each stage of recovery to ensure the best possible outcome.

Cataract FAQs: your common questions answered

Below are some of your most asked questions about having cataract surgery.

What is a cataract?

A cataract is when the lens of your eye, which is normally clear, becomes cloudy. The condition becomes progressively worse and can lead to permanent blindness if left untreated. 

What causes cataracts?

Age is the most common cause of cataracts. Other factors that can make you more likely to develop cataracts include:

• Genetics (a family history of cataracts)
• Regularly drinking excessive alcohol
• Age
• A diet lacking in essential vitamins
• An eye injury
• Taking steroid medication for a long time
• Certain health conditions, such as diabetes

What is the first sign of cataracts?

The first and most common sign of cataracts is blurred vision. You may have blurred spots in your field of vision, or struggle to see clearly across your entire field of vision.

How long does cataract surgery take?

The procedure is a straightforward, standard operation that typically takes 15 to 30 minutes in total.

The dos and don'ts after cataract surgery

Do

• Use eyedrops, if prescribed by your consultant
• Wear an eye shield for the recommended time after surgery
• Contact your doctor if you think you could have infection

Don't

• Rub your eyes soon after surgery
• Wear eye makeup for at least four weeks
• Drive until advised by your consultant

Why choose The Shelburne Hospital for cataract surgery in High Wycombe?

When you choose to go private with Circle Health Group, you can expect: 

• Flexible appointment times to fit your schedule
• Bespoke, consultant-led treatment plans tailored to your individual needs 
• Support from the same compassionate clinical team from beginning to end 
• Transparent, fixed-price packages with aftercare included 
• Flexible payment options to help spread the cost of your care

Going private for healthcare provides faster access to a vast range of treatment options, greater flexibility in choosing specialists, and more personalised care. 

How to book cataract surgery in High Wycombe

To book a consultation to discuss cataract surgery with an ophthalmologist near you, use our online booking system, or give us a call and one of our dedicated advisors will help you find an appointment time that suits you.