NHS patients in England will soon have access to a groundbreaking form of cataract surgery that eliminates the need for the usual post-operative regimen of up to 12 daily eye drops. This novel approach, already trialled by Optegra—a private provider conducting a significant volume of NHS cataract procedures—represents a substantial shift in patient care following one of the country's most common surgeries, with nearly 700,000 cataract removals performed annually.

Traditionally, cataract surgery involves replacing the eye’s clouded natural lens with an artificial one through a minor incision, typically under local anaesthetic in under half an hour. Post-operatively, patients have been required to apply multiple types of eye drops, including antibacterial and anti-inflammatory medications, often three times a day for up to four weeks. This routine can be cumbersome, especially for older patients or those needing assistance with drops.

The new procedure developed by Optegra offers a streamlined alternative by injecting small doses of antibacterial, anti-inflammatory drugs, and steroids directly into the eye during surgery. This method delivers the required medications all at once, greatly reducing patient reliance on post-operative eye drops. Dr Alastair Stuart, Optegra’s medical director and consultant ophthalmic surgeon, explained that this innovation removes the inconvenience and sometimes the need for caretakers to administer drops multiple times daily, allowing patients a simpler, more comfortable recovery.

This drop-free cataract surgery is part of a wider trial and service expansion at Optegra’s clinics nationwide. Alongside the drop-free treatment, Optegra is pioneering a combined approach that includes same-day pre-operative assessments and bilateral surgery—operating on both eyes in one session—which aims to improve patient convenience and reduce hospital visits. Early trial results have been promising, showing the procedure maintains the same high safety and effectiveness standards as traditional surgery.

Cataracts mainly affect people over 65 and those with diabetes, while lifestyle factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol intake, and poor diet can also increase risk. If left untreated, cataracts can cause significant vision impairment and potentially lead to blindness.

Optegra currently manages more than 170,000 NHS cataract operations a year and reports excellent outcomes with a 99.1% rate of uncomplicated surgeries, alongside high patient satisfaction; 94% of patients describe their treatment as comfortable, and 97% rate their overall experience as very good or good. This new drop-free option is expected to further enhance patient experience while maintaining these strong clinical results.

While patient reviews generally commend Optegra for quality service and positive surgical outcomes, some have flagged concerns around scheduling and follow-up care. Nonetheless, the introduction of this innovative approach marks a clear step forward in cataract treatment within the NHS framework, aimed at improving both clinical outcomes and patient quality of life.

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Source: Noah Wire Services