Ophthalmology in Birmingham

At The Priory Hospital our expert ophthalmologists deal with the diagnosis and treatment of all kinds of eye conditions and diseases. From cataracts and age-related macular degeneration to glaucoma and epiretinal membrane (ERM) our skilled eye surgeons improve the vision and the lives of thousands of patients every year.

If you’ve noticed any changes in your vision for example spots, blurred vision, double vision or floaters it can be extremely worrying. There may be no serious underlying causes for these changes however it’s important to get a specialist diagnosis and advice as quickly as possible. 

Book an appointment with an expert eye consultant at The Priory Hospital. 

If you’ve already been diagnosed with an eye condition and want speedier access to specialist care The Priory Hospital is the perfect solution. We are happy to see you with or without a referral. 

Glaucoma is known as ‘the secret thief of sight’ because it advances slowly without any initial symptoms. The disease arises when the optic nerve which connects the eye to the brain becomes damaged, often because of a build-up of fluid in the front of the eye. It can lead to loss of vision if not diagnosed and treated early enough. Most common in older people, glaucoma is usually picked up by a routine eye test.

To prevent the condition from worsening your eye specialist will usually recommend eye drops. Laser treatment may be the next option to open up the blocked drainage tubes or reduce production of fluid in the eye. Surgery can be carried out as a last option, to improve the drainage of fluid.

Cataracts are the biggest cause of reversible blindness in the world with sufferers experiencing clouding in a normally clear eye lens. When vision starts to become very impaired, limiting the ability to read or drive, for example, it’s probably time to consider surgery. This involves replacing the cloudy lens with an artificial one. It’s generally a safe and effective procedure and one the eye consultants at The Priory Hospital carry out routinely.  

Macular degeneration (also known as age-related macular degeneration) is an eye disease that involves the small central portion of the retina, or macula, degrading. The macula provides the sharp central vision needed for reading, driving and seeing fine detail e.g. people’s faces. Most people have what’s known as ‘dry’ form macular degeneration and is often experienced as worsening vision which may be blurry or involve dark patches.

Age-related macular degeneration is often detected at a routine eye test as tiny yellow spots under the retina. To slow the onset of macular degeneration medicines can help, while laser therapy using high energy laser light may be offered as a next form of treatment.

Macular holes are small breaks in the macula in the centre of the retina and can present as blurring and distorted central vision. If left untreated most central vision could be lost and the retina may detach. The first symptoms of a macular hole include blurring, floaters or a slight distortion in straight-ahead vision. Treatment for macular holes is done via an operation which is called a vitrectomy.

Epiretinal membrane (ERM) is a condition where a sheet of naturally occurring cells develop on or above the surface of the central part of the retina in the area known as the macula. If they shrink this can wrinkle the retina and cause distortion and blurring of vision. Surgery may be required if vision is affected. Your ophthalmologist will be able to decide whether this is the right treatment for you.

At the first consultation with your consultant ophthalmologist they will examine your referral letter (if you have one) and assess your medical history. They will ask you in detail about your symptoms and will carry out a preliminary examination. If necessary they will then arrange for you to have any appropriate diagnostic tests.

Diagnostic tests can include an OCT (optical coherence topography) test to obtain a topographical map of the optic nerve. This uses non-invasive light wave to take cross-sectional pictures of the retina. It can be used to diagnose many eye conditions including macular holes, age related macular degeneration, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. Fluorescein angiography may also be used to assess retinal conditions.

At your second appointment with your consultant they, together with you, will formulate a management plan. If that includes surgery you will booked in to your consultant’s next surgery list. There may be some further tests that need to be carried out prior to your procedure. 

Cataract surgery: Cataract surgery takes around 30 to 45 minutes. The surgeon will make a tiny cut in the eye to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with a clear plastic one.

Retinal laser surgery: Laser surgery can destroy abnormal blood vessels and photodynamic laser therapy for macular degeneration uses a light-sensitive drug and a laser to trigger the medication. Drugs can be injected into the eye to slow down the progress of wet AMD.

Vitreoretinal membrane surgery and eye injections for macular degeneration or inclusion.

If cataract surgery is selected as the way forward your consultant can carry out an ultrasound ocular biometry test, which provides anatomical measurements of the eye and is used to help determine the right type of lens for your eye. Intraocular lens or IOL s are the usual lenses selected – and there are several types to choose from all in varying degrees of expense. Your consultant will help you find the right lens for you.

Recovery from cataract surgery is measured in days, in fact most people who have noncomplex cataract surgery can feel better next day. The recovery from retinal surgery takes longer, and in some cases it can be up to twelve months before a patient recovers fully.  At The Priory Hospital your consultant will be there for you throughout all your post-operative care and available to answer your queries directly. 

• Some of the region’s best ophthalmologists choose to work at The Priory Hospital, many of whom are expert in sub-specialist areas. Our consultants are adept at treating both common and rare eye conditions. These include secondary lens implants and dislocated lens problems.
• After booking an appointment you can normally be seen within a week. Our consultants offer regular clinics and often the convenience of an evening appointment.
• The Priory Hospital has five operating theatres, with state-of-the-art equipment to deal with all kinds of eye surgeries and if an overnight stay is required access to comfortable in-patient facilities post operation.
• Our eye surgeons have close working relationships with anaesthetists and nurses who specialise in ophthalmology. The theatre team is a stable and longstanding unit.
• The Priory Hospital has outstanding diagnostic facilities covering the entirety of eye conditions. This includes MRI and CT scans and radiology as well as Heidleberg Retinal Tomography and Humphrey visual fields analyser. These ensure that glaucoma monitoring meets the most advanced of guidelines.
• An emphasis on the continuity of care, both pre, during and post-operatively with a single point of communication at all times.
• Central location and parking. 
• Flexible payment options. There’s no requirement to have medical insurance, you can pay as you go.