Offer T&C’s Our offer is valid for one test per person. This can be arranged by calling our Wylde Green practice or clicking here to complete our online form. Our offer cannot be exchanged for cash or eye-health products to the same value or redeemed by customers already entitled to a free NHS-funded eye test. Eye tests are free under the NHS if you are under 16 years of age, you are 16, 17, or 18 and in full-time education, or if you are 60 and over. For more information on whether you qualify for a free eye test visit www.nhs.uk

Cataract Surgery

Don’t wait any longer for a clearer and brighter future…

Through our partnership with Spa Medica & Optegra we can provide NHS Cataract Surgery.

What is a cataract?

A cataract is a painless gradual clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which lies behind the pupil and the iris. This process tends to occur as people get older, but if you are suffering from this condition, there is no need to simply put up with it. At Optegra, we provide leading cataract surgery procedures which reduce your dependence on glasses, and in some cases eradicate the need for them altogether.

To understand the impact of cataracts, you first need to understand the function of the eye’s natural lens and the retina. The retina is situated at the back of the eye; it is a light-sensitive tissue. The lens is the clear part of your eye which helps to focus light onto the retina. Thus, when the lens becomes clouded, vision is impaired.

There are several different types of cataracts, which include:

Age related – which happens over time
Congenital – when babies are born with cataracts or they form in childhood due to injury or infection
Secondary – cataracts develop as a result of another medical condition or from being around dangerous substances or medication
Traumatic – forming after an injury to the eye

Eye cataracts develop gradually

A cataract is something which develops gradually, resulting in your eyesight getting worse and worse over time. Contrary to popular belief, cataracts are not caused by a film growing across your eye. Your lens is actually made up of protein and water, and cataracts occur when the protein in the lens gathers in such a way as to prevent light passing through. Cataracts are most common in people over the age of 65. You can develop cataracts in both eyes or in just one of them; however cataracts cannot spread from one eye to the other.

How cataracts affect your vision

It can feel as though you are looking through cracked or frosted glass when you have a cataract, as your vision becomes blurred. This can seem like a mere inconvenience at first. However, if you leave it untreated, it can result in blindness. A cataract can also be extremely detrimental to your ability to do everyday tasks such as reading and driving.