Also called when removal may be advised. An eye that cannot see and causes pain.
What it is
Sometimes an eye can no longer see and causes constant pain, or has been badly damaged. Removing it is considered only when other treatments have not helped.
Symptoms
Constant pain or aching in a blind eye, redness, sensitivity to light, or distress about how the eye looks.
Causes
Injury, glaucoma, repeated inflammation or previous surgery.
When to get it checked
This is never decided at a first appointment. Your consultant will explain every alternative, and you take as much time as you need.
How it is checked
Every plan starts with an examination by a consultant, not a photograph or a questionnaire.
- Your consultant examines your eyes, measures how far each sits forward, checks your vision and eye movements, and arranges a scan where one is needed.
- What your consultant finds is explained in plain English, there and then.
- You leave with a written plan and, where treatment is right for you, a written fee.
- You are never asked to decide on the day.
If surgery is not the right answer, your consultant will say so, and explain what happens if you do nothing.
Questions patients ask
Do I need a referral?
No. You can request a consultation directly. A letter from your GP or optometrist is helpful if you have one, and your insurer may ask for it.
Will I need surgery?
Not always. Your consultant will explain whether treatment is needed, what each option involves, and what happens if you do nothing.
What happens at the consultation?
Your consultant examines your eyes, measures how far each sits forward, checks your vision and eye movements, and arranges a scan where one is needed. You leave with a written plan and fee, and time to decide.
How soon can I be seen?
The clinic team will offer the first suitable appointment, and sooner where your consultant judges it urgent.