Patient Information
The following leaflets cover common conditions and procedures in plain English. Click any title or the link to view or download the PDF.
- Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of sight loss in the UK, affecting the central vision used for reading, driving and recognising faces. Wet AMD can be treated with anti-VEGF injections, which halt or reverse sight loss in most patients when started promptly. I treat AMD privately in Brighton and Haywards Heath, and lead the NHS AMD service at Sussex Eye Hospital.View/Download PDF →
- Anti-VEGF Injections Anti-VEGF injections - including Avastin, Eylea and Vabysmo - are the main treatment for wet AMD, diabetic macular oedema, and retinal vein occlusion. The injection takes only a few minutes and is given under local anaesthetic in clinic, with no need for a general anaesthetic. The procedure is well tolerated by most patients, and normal activities can usually be resumed the same day.View/Download PDF →
- Blepharitis Blepharitis is a common and often chronic inflammation of the eyelid margins, causing redness, grittiness, crusting, and irritation - frequently worse in the morning. It is closely linked to dry eye disease, and the two conditions often occur together. Management focuses on a regular eyelid hygiene routine and, where needed, lubricating eye drops, with most patients achieving good symptom control with consistent treatment.View/Download PDF →
- Cataract A cataract causes progressive blurring, glare and difficulty with bright lights as the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy, and surgery is the only effective treatment. Cataract surgery is a short, safe procedure carried out under local anaesthetic, with most patients noticing a clear improvement in vision within days. Particular care is needed in patients with co-existing retinal conditions such as macular degeneration or diabetic eye disease, where managing expectations and surgical timing require experience across both specialties. I perform private cataract surgery in Brighton and Haywards Heath, with a range of lens implant options to suit your vision and lifestyle.View/Download PDF →
- Central Serous Chorioretinopathy (CSCR) Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) causes fluid to collect under the retina, producing a washed-out or dimmed patch in the central vision, sometimes with distortion or a change in the apparent size of objects. It most commonly affects men aged 30 to 50, and in many cases resolves without treatment, though persistent or chronic CSCR can be treated with photodynamic therapy (PDT) or micropulse laser. Vision recovery is often good, though some patients are left with subtle distortion or reduced contrast sensitivity.View/Download PDF →
- Diabetic Retinopathy Diabetic retinopathy is damage to the blood vessels of the retina caused by diabetes, and is one of the most common causes of preventable sight loss in working-age adults in the UK. Diabetic macular oedema - swelling at the centre of the retina - can be treated with anti-VEGF injections to preserve vision, with steroid implants (Ozurdex or Iluvien) as a second-line option in selected cases. I led the NHS Diabetic Eye Screening Programme in Sussex until 2024 and see patients with diabetic eye disease privately in Brighton and Haywards Heath.View/Download PDF →
- Epiretinal Membrane (ERM) An epiretinal membrane (ERM) is a thin layer of transparent tissue that forms on the surface of the retina that can contract and cause blurred or distorted central vision, making straight lines appear wavy. Many patients are asymptomatic or untroubled, and most membranes progress slowly if at all. Surgery - vitrectomy with membrane peel - is reserved for those more significantly affected; the majority are managed with observation and OCT monitoring.View/Download PDF →
- Intraocular Lens (IOL) Options Choosing the right lens implant (intraocular lens, or IOL) is one of the most important decisions in cataract surgery, and influences how much you rely on glasses afterwards. Options range from standard monofocal lenses to premium extended depth of focus and multifocal lenses that can significantly reduce or eliminate the need for reading glasses. I discuss IOL options in detail at your consultation so you can make the choice that best fits your lifestyle and visual goals. Where a patient has a strong desire to be free of spectacles or has specific refractive goals that would be better served by a specialist refractive colleague, I am happy to refer onwards rather than limit your options.View/Download PDF →
- Macular Telangiectasia Type 2 (MacTel) Macular telangiectasia type 2 (MacTel) is a rare condition affecting the small blood vessels around the centre of the macula, causing gradual loss of the fine central vision used for reading and detail work. It is often discovered on OCT scanning before significant symptoms develop, and emerging treatments including gene therapy are in clinical trials. If MacTel is identified on routine OCT, specialist review can confirm the diagnosis, exclude treatable complications, and advise on monitoring.View/Download PDF →
- Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD) Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) is the most common cause of sudden new floaters and flashing lights, occurring when the gel inside the eye separates from the retina - a normal part of ageing. In most cases PVD is harmless and settles without treatment, but in a minority it causes a retinal tear or detachment that needs urgent assessment. If you develop sudden new floaters or flashes, I can see you promptly in Brighton or Haywards Heath.View/Download PDF →
- Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO) Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) occurs when a vein in the retina becomes blocked, causing bleeding and macular swelling that can seriously and suddenly affect vision. Anti-VEGF injections are the main treatment for the swelling (macular oedema) that drives sight loss in RVO, and most patients respond well when treatment is started promptly. Addressing underlying risk factors - particularly blood pressure and cholesterol - is an important part of management alongside treatment for the eye itself.View/Download PDF →
- YAG Laser Capsulotomy Posterior capsule opacification (PCO) - sometimes called a secondary cataract - is a common occurrence after cataract surgery, causing the vision to become hazy or glary again months or years later. YAG laser capsulotomy is a quick, painless outpatient procedure that takes only a few minutes and restores clear vision in most patients the same day. I carry out YAG laser capsulotomy privately in Brighton; this procedure is not currently available at Nuffield Haywards Heath.View/Download PDF →