Darlington’s Woodlands Hospital has recently witnessed a life-changing experience for 63-year-old Fiona Snowdon, who enthusiastically describes her recent lens replacement surgery as “ABSOLUTELY life-changing.” After relying on glasses since her diagnosis of short-sightedness at the age of 11, Fiona can now bid farewell to spectacles.
Fiona chose to undergo the procedure under the skilled hands of Consultant Ophthalmologist Mr. Richard Stirling. Delighted with the outcome, she expressed, “I can honestly say that it’s the best thing I have ever done.” Glasses with thick lenses had been a constant in her life, causing discomfort over the years.
Despite initially finding relief with contact lenses during her nursing career, Fiona had to return to glasses due to dry eyes after childbirth. With astigmatism and varifocal lenses adding to the complexity, she found herself spending up to £700 every year or two on new spectacles, yet they didn’t meet her needs. Reading small print, using the computer, and constant headaches became daily challenges.
Fiona decided to explore lens replacement surgery with Mr. Stirling, who provided comprehensive information and addressed her concerns during the consultation. She proceeded with the surgery, having one eye done first and the other two weeks later, praising Mr. Stirling and his team for their professionalism and care.
The surgery, which took approximately 20 minutes for each eye, has liberated Fiona from the need for glasses entirely. While old habits may make her reach for glasses in the morning, she no longer requires them. Encouraging others to consider the surgery, she states, “It could change your life.”
Mr. Stirling, one of the country’s most experienced eye surgeons, commends Fiona’s positive outcome and highlights recent advances in multifocal lens implant technology. These advancements offer the possibility of eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses, particularly for those over 50.
Operating in a specialized ophthalmic unit at Woodlands Hospital, Mr. Stirling utilizes state-of-the-art equipment and a dedicated ophthalmic-trained nursing staff for the procedure. The surgery, done under local anesthesia, allows patients to resume normal activities the next day.
Explaining the process, Mr. Stirling details how the natural lens inside the eye loses elasticity with age, leading to the need for reading glasses. Cataract surgery becomes necessary when the lens clarity declines. Replacing the natural lens with a multifocal synthetic implant can address distance, mid, and near vision, reducing or eliminating the need for glasses.
For those considering self-pay options, Mr. Stirling’s package includes a full diagnostic consultation, surgery, and a six-month follow-up. Woodlands Hospital also offers flexible payment options to ease the cost of private healthcare.
Woodlands Hospital, known for its advanced surgical techniques, continues to deliver better outcomes, fewer complications, and quicker recovery, with consultants like Mr. Stirling leading the way.
