Read below our concise, clear answers about the services and treatments offered at Somerset Eye Centre. If there is a question you would like to ask that is not answered here, we invite you to contact us and we will gladly provide an answer!
Why is prevention and early detection important?
Preventative measures include a healthy diet, avoid smoking, excessive alcohol and regular eye examinations for early detection. Early detection of eye problems is crucial for optimal protection and enhancement of vision.
What services does the Somerset Eye Centre offer?
We offer comprehensive specialised eye care services including cataract surgery, laser eye surgery, retinal surgery, glaucoma treatment, and more. Our centre is equipped with the latest technology and staffed by specialist ophthalmologists.
What is a cataract and how is it treated?
A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s lens that results in blurry and dull vision. Treatment involves cataract surgery, which uses a technique called phacoemulsification to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with an intraocular lens. The procedure is painless, performed under local anaesthesia, and typically restores useful vision. We offer mono-focal, mono-vision, Toric, extended depth-of-focus and multifocal lens technologies to appropriate candidates. This is known as refractive cataract surgery.
What types of laser eye surgery are available?
We offer LASIK for correcting refractive errors like myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. This procedure reshapes the cornea using a laser, and most patients regain near-normal vision within a week. We also offer alternative options like Phakic Intraocular Lenses (ICLs) and Multifocal Intraocular Lenses for those who may not be candidates for traditional laser surgery.
What is pterygium surgery?
Pterygium surgery involves removing a wedge-shaped growth on the conjunctiva that extends onto the cornea. The surgery is performed under sedation and typically involves grafting tissue from the same eye to prevent regrowth. Post-surgery, steroid eye drops are prescribed to reduce inflammation.
How is glaucoma treated at Somerset Eye Centre?
Glaucoma treatment includes diagnosis through eye pressure tests, gonioscopy, optic nerve assessment, and fundus photography. Management involves eye drops and medications to stabilise intraocular pressure, and surgical options like trabeculectomy and laser trabeculoplasty.
What is corneal cross-linking and when is it needed?
Corneal cross-linking is a procedure that strengthens the cornea using ultraviolet light and vitamin B2 (riboflavin) eye drops. It’s required for severe cases of keratoconus, a condition causing the cornea to thin and bulge. The procedure can halt or even reverse the progression of keratoconus.
What are the causes of retinal diseases and how are they treated?
Retinal diseases can be caused by age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, macular holes, and retinal detachment. Treatment includes medical injections, laser surgery, and vitrectomy for conditions like macular holes. Emergency procedures are available for retinal detachment.
What is involved in oculoplastic surgery?
Oculoplastic surgery addresses issues with the eyelids, tear drainage system, and eye socket for both cosmetic and reconstructive improvements. Procedures include upper and lower eyelid surgery, tear drainage improvement, and treatment for thyroid eye disease.