And the eyelids? These are treated by specialist Consultant Ophthalmologists known as ‘oculoplastic surgeons’. Oculoplastic surgery is used to strengthen and lift floppy eyelids, remove excess eyelid skin and eyelid bags and treat serious pathology such as eyelid trauma and tumours. Lacrimal surgery is linked to oculoplastic surgery – most oculoplastic consultants also perform lacrimal or tear duct operations. Lacrimal surgery is done for watery eyes which may be caused by a blockage, either partial or complete, to the tear duct system: this stretches from two tiny openings on the nose-side of both upper and lower eyelids and passes through a system of pipes, channels and cavities all the way to an opening on the upper inside of the nose.
In the UK the NHS provides a complete range of eye surgery treatments in NHS Hospitals and clinics. Most ophthalmic units in NHS Hospitals, whether teaching hospital or district general, employ eye surgeons whose skills encompass the full range of eye surgery diseases – each eye specialist concentrating on a specific area of the eye. The eye may be a small organ, but is very complex and it is impossible for an eye surgeon to be expert at every aspect of eye surgery! In Dr Levy’s NHS unit at Central Middlesex Hospital, London (part of North West London Hospitals NHS Trust) the eye unit includes a cataract, cornea and eye surgeon specialist (Dr Levy himself), two medical retina specialists (who treat macular degeneration and diabetic eye disease), a surgeon specialising in vitreo-retinal technologies f(or example treating retina detachment), a glaucoma specialist (who uses eyedrops and specialist surgical techniques such as trabeculectomy to reduce intraocular pressure and so treat glaucoma) and a paediatric and squint specialist who treats children’s eye disorders and double vision.
A word about professional training and qualifications – before embarking on any form of eye surgery, specifically refractive eye surgery and laser eye surgery, check that your eye surgeon is on the specialist Ophthalmic Eye Surgeons register of the General Medical Council. And another point – it is highly desirable to be able to choose your refractive surgeon yourself and know that he will look after you throughout the refractive surgery journey, from initial consultation through the surgical procedure itself to follow-up and discharge. Eyesite’s surgeon guarantees this as part of the ‘Eyesite Promise’.
