Private Cataract Surgery in Edinburgh
Cataract surgery is a safe and effective procedure to restore clear vision. Mr Manjit Mehat provides private cataract surgery in Edinburgh, offering consultant-led care with modern lens options tailored to your lifestyle and visual needs.
What is a Cataract?
A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, leading to blurred or dim vision, increased sensitivity to light, glare, and difficulty seeing at night. Cataracts most commonly develop as part of the natural ageing process, but they can also occur due to eye injury, diabetes, or the use of certain medications.
As cataracts progress, they may interfere significantly with daily activities and, in some cases, contribute to other eye conditions such as glaucoma or painful inflammation. Early assessment and timely treatment usually offer the safest and most effective outcomes.
What is Cataract Surgery?
Cataract surgery is a safe, quick, and highly effective procedure in which the cloudy natural lens is removed and replaced with a clear artificial intraocular lens (IOL).
The procedure is typically performed under local anaesthetic, takes around 15–30 minutes per eye, and is usually painless. You will not see the surgery itself, although you may notice bright lights and, occasionally, colourful visual patterns. Most patients return home the same day and experience a rapid improvement in vision.
When should you consider Cataract Surgery?
You may wish to consider cataract surgery if cataracts are affecting your quality of life. Ask yourself:
Can you see well enough to drive safely or perform your job?
Do you struggle with reading or watching television?
Is it difficult to cook, shop, garden, climb stairs, or take medications?
Are your vision problems affecting your independence?
Do bright lights, sunlight, or night-time driving cause significant glare or discomfort?
If you answer “yes” to any of these questions, an assessment may be beneficial.
Why choose private Cataract Surgery?
Choosing private cataract surgery offers several important advantages:
Rapid access to care, often with appointments available within two weeks
Flexible consultation times to fit around your schedule
A wider choice of lens options, tailored to your lifestyle and visual needs
Excellent post-operative care, with direct access to the clinical team
Continuity of care, with your consultant involved from consultation to recovery
A personalised treatment plan designed specifically for you
Care from a Consultant Ophthalmologist specialising in cataract surgery
State-of-the-art facilities and the latest surgical technology
Your vision is invaluable. Choose expert, personalised care designed around your individual needs.
Frequently asked questions
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Mr Mehat operates independently across three leading private hospitals in Edinburgh:
Spire Hospital, Shawfair
Vision Scotland, Ratho
Nuffield Health, Colinton Road
You can choose the hospital location that best suits your preferences, convenience, and clinical needs.
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Yes. We accept private health insurance from all major providers. Many patients also choose to self-fund their cataract surgery, allowing greater flexibility and choice of lens options.
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Cataract surgery is a form of microsurgery and is usually completely painless. You may experience brief moments of mild discomfort, but this is uncommon.
You will not see the surgery itself. Most patients notice bright lights and, occasionally, colourful visual patterns during the procedure.
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You will be given a dedicated mobile contact number for post-operative advice. If an in-person review is needed, we will arrange this promptly. We take aftercare as seriously as the surgery itself.
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In many cases, operating on both eyes either on the same day or in close succession offers several benefits, including:
A shorter overall recovery period
Fewer hospital visits
Avoidance of temporary visual imbalance
Premium lens options, such as Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF) or multifocal intraocular lenses, often adapt more effectively when both eyes are treated together.
However, this approach is not suitable for everyone. Your consultant will discuss the safest and most appropriate option for you during your consultation.
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Yes, in many cases.
Dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is common and slowly progressive. Cataract surgery is generally safe and can significantly improve clarity, although it will not reverse central vision loss caused by AMD.
Wet AMD requires individual assessment. If well controlled, cataract surgery can usually be performed safely with careful planning and monitoring.
Mr Mehat specialises in managing macular degeneration alongside cataract surgery, ensuring expert care throughout.
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Yes. Your individual circumstances will be carefully assessed during your consultation. Any challenges will be fully explored, and tailored solutions will be discussed to ensure the safest possible surgery.
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Yes. We offer personalised care plans and will take all your concerns into account. In many cases, light sedation may be more suitable than a full general anaesthetic. This will be discussed in detail during your consultation.
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Most patients regain vision that meets UK driving standards within 2–4 days after surgery. You can self-check by confirming you can read a car number plate from 20 metres (approximately 25 paces).
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Yes. Having private cataract surgery on one eye does not affect your NHS waiting list position for the second eye. In fact, choosing private care may help reduce waiting times for others.
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This depends on the type of intraocular lens (IOL) chosen. Your consultant will discuss all lens options with you before surgery.
While most patients achieve excellent vision, there is a small chance you may still require glasses or additional treatment, as with any medical procedure.
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No. The artificial intraocular lens implanted during surgery is permanent and does not degrade.
Some patients develop posterior capsule opacification (PCO), which can cause misty vision similar to a cataract. This is easily treated with a quick YAG laser capsulotomy, a simple outpatient procedure. If required within six months of surgery, this treatment is fully covered by your original surgery fee.