Professor Gazzard specialises in injection-free, no-stitch cataract surgery. Using this innovative technique, 90% of even complex cases can be done under ‘topical’ anaesthesia (drops) rather than the longer, more invasive methods used in the past.
Years ago cataract surgery required a hospital stay, long healing times and restrictions on activities. Recovery time could take 2 to 3 months, and the surgery often resulted in astigmatism – meaning eyeglass prescription changes during the first year after surgery. Many patients experienced restricted activities until they were completely healed.
With new technologies and techniques, visual recovery time from modern cataract surgery is much quicker. These days, no-stitch cataract surgery can be performed on an outpatient basis.
Surgeons are able to perform cataract surgery making only a tiny, precise corneal incision to break up the cloudy lens, gently wash it away and insert the replacement Intraocular Lens (IOL). In fact, the incision actually seals itself without stitches.
After surgery, patients usually do not have their eye patched. They can resume their usual lifestyle and normal activities soon after the procedure is performed.
If you’d like to know more about whether this innovative treatment is an option for you, or think that you may benefit from a consultation, please get in touch here.