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  • 07503751349 | 01271 349128
  • karlwhittaker@devoneyesurgeon.co.uk
  • Cataract
    • Understanding Cataracts
    • Symptoms
    • Pre-operative Assessment
    • Choice Of Lens
    • Cataract Surgery
    • After The Operation
    • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Glaucoma
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    • Types of Glaucoma
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      • Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty
      • Glaucoma Surgery
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      • Introduction
      • Treatment
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      • Introduction to Watery Eye
      • Causes
      • Treatment
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      • Introduction
      • Treatment
      • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Entropion Repair >
      • Introduction
      • Treatment
      • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Ectropion Repair >
      • Introduction
      • Treatment
      • Post-operative Care
      • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Eyelid Tumor Removal >
      • Introduction
      • Tumor Types
      • Treatment
      • Post-operative Care
      • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Cosmetic Treatments
    • Non-Surgical >
      • Botox >
        • What is Botox?
        • Procedure Overview
        • Frequently Asked Questions
      • Cosmetic Fillers >
        • What is a Cosmetic Filler?
        • Procedure
        • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Surgical >
      • Upper Lid Blepharoplasty >
        • Introduction
        • Initial Consulation
        • Procedure Overview
        • After The Surgery
        • Frequently Asked Questions
      • Lower Lid Blepharoplasty >
        • Introduction
        • Initial Consultation
        • Procedure Overview
        • After The Surgery
        • Frequently Asked Questions
      • Four-Lid Blepharoplasty
      • Eyelid / Facial Lumps, Bumps & Skin Tags >
        • Introduction
        • Treatment
  • Refractive Surgery
    • Understanding My vision
    • Refractive Lens Exchange
    • PRELEX >
      • What is PRELEX?
      • What Are The Outcomes Of PRELEX Surgery?
      • Am I a Suitable Candidate?
  • Eye Conditions
    • Blepharospasm >
      • Introduction
      • Treatment
    • Blepharitis >
      • Understanding Blepharitis
      • Treatment
    • Diabetic Retinopathy >
      • Introduction
      • Treatment
    • Dry Eyes >
      • Understanding Dry Eyes
      • Causes Of Dry Eyes
      • Dry Eyes Assessment
      • Dry Eyes Treatment
    • Floaters >
      • Understanding Floaters
      • Treatment
    • Macula Degeneration >
      • Introduction
      • Treatment

After The Operation

What happens immediately afterwards?

  • You will return to the ward with an eye patch and clear protective shield, which is kept on until the following morning.
  • I recommend that someone takes you home from the hospital but it is not usually necessary for a friend or relative to stay with you overnight unless you have had a general anaesthetic.
  • You will be given 2 bottles of eye drops to put in usually 4 times per day, starting upon removal of the pad and lasting for 4 weeks. One drop is an antibiotic, the other is to reduce inflammation.
  • Your eye may be slightly sticky in the mornings. You can bathe your eyelids gently using cooled boiled water and sterile gauze.
  • Do not rub or press on your eye.
  • The protective shield should be worn at night for 2-3 weeks.

 

Will my eye be comfortable with clear vision straightaway?

  • For the first couple of days afterwards, you may notice the vision is blurry, your eye may be a bit sensitive to light or it may feel slightly gritty. These symptoms are normal, and will be short-lived. Sunglasses can be helpful.
  • The eye will become progressively more comfortable and your vision will improve over the coming days and weeks.
  • Depending on the type of intraocular lens inserted, you are likely to require glasses for your eyesight to be as good as possible.

 

No symptoms should deteriorate and you must contact me immediately if you become aware of:

  • Increased pain
  • Worsening vision
  • Increased redness or discharge
  • Flashes of light, floaters or a curtain across your vision

 

What are the follow-up arrangements?

  • I see patients 2-4 weeks after the operation
  • You should visit your community optician for new glasses 5-6 weeks after the surgery.

Cataract Links

  • Understanding Cataracts
  • Cataract Symptoms
  • Pre-operative Assessment
  • Choice Of Lens
  • Cataract Surgery
  • After The Operation
  • Frequently Asked Questions About Cataracts

About Mr. Karl Whittaker

I graduated from Birmingham University in 1992, and have been an Eye Specialist for almost 20 years.

Following my Ophthalmology Specialist Training, I completed two Fellowships (advanced training) in glaucoma, working with the world-renowned Professor Anthony Molteno in New Zealand and Professor Peter Shah in Birmingham. Thereafter, I undertook a Fellowship in oculoplastic/lacrimal surgery, again in Birmingham. As a result, I am dual-qualified, which allows me to perform a wide range of ophthalmic procedures.

I have been a Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon at the North Devon Healthcare NHS Trust since 2003. In this role, I perform high volume cataract surgery and am the Clinical Lead for the Glaucoma and Oculoplastic/Lacrimal Surgery services.

Practice Location

  • Ophthalmology Department
  • Level 1
  • North Devon District Hospital
  • Barnstaple
  • EX31 4JB

Tel: 07503751349 | 01271 349128
Email: karlwhittaker@devoneyesurgeon.co.uk

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