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If these issues are affecting your daily activities like driving, reading, or working, it might be time to consider cataract surgery:
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that affects the blood vessels in the retina - the light‑sensitive tissue at the back of your eye. With the right care, many people keep good vision for years to come. At our central London clinic, we treat diabetic retinopathy with laser eye surgery.
Early stage: A thin layer of tissue forms on the surface of the macula but doesn’t cause much change in vision. Usually picked up on an OCT scan and simply monitored. Moderate stage: The membrane starts to pull on the retina, causing it to wrinkle slightly. This can make straight lines look wavy and make reading or other close-up work harder. Advanced stage: The pulling becomes stronger, leading to more obvious distortion and blurring in the centre of vision. At this stage, epiretinal membrane surgery (ERM surgery) may help improve sight and reduce distortion.
If you experience any of these signs, it’s important to see a specialist promptly: Blurred or distorted central vision Difficulty reading or recognising faces Dark or empty areas in your central sight Changes in colour perception Straight lines appearing wavy or bent Because AMD often develops slowly, regular eye checks are important, especially if you’re over 55 or have a family history. It’s useful to seek advice on the severity of your macular degeneration as the risk of progression to visual loss varies from 3% to 40% over 5 years depending on the appearance of the retina.
Intravitreal injections give medicine a direct route to where it’s needed (the vitreous) without it having to travel through the rest of your body. Professor Tom Williamson uses this treatment to manage: Wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD): To slow or halt the growth of abnormal blood vessels Retinal vein occlusion: To treat swelling and prevent further damage Macular oedema: Whether caused by diabetes, blocked veins, or inflammation
You might notice: Blurred or slightly distorted central vision Straight lines that appear wavy Difficulty with reading or detailed tasks Trouble recognising faces or using screens Not everyone will have symptoms, and for many, they’re subtle. If you’ve noticed a sudden change in your vision, we recommend seeing a retinal specialist to assess whether lamellar hole treatment is necessary.
Laser retinopexy is a precise, minimally invasive laser eye surgery used to treat a range of retinal conditions, including retinal tears, retinal holes, and certain stages of diabetic retinopathy. This procedure uses targeted laser light to seal damaged areas of the retina, creating a secure bond between the retina and the underlying tissue. It helps prevent fluid from leaking behind the retina, reducing the risk of retinal detachment. This quick, outpatient treatment is highly effective for stabilising the retina and protecting long‑term vision.
Cystoid macular edema occurs when fluid builds up in cyst-like spaces in the macula. This part of your retina is responsible for sharp, central vision, so swelling here can affect reading, driving, and facial recognition. It often results from: Diabetic retinopathy Retinal vein occlusion Eye surgery (e.g. cataract) Inflammatory eye conditions (e.g. uveitis) Certain medications It is not always sight-threatening, timely macular edema treatment may be needed to protect vision, especially when symptoms progress quickly.
A macular hole is not always an emergency, but if left untreated it can lead to permanent loss of central vision. Early treatment offers the best chance of preserving and improving sight, and macular hole surgery is usually recommended within weeks to prevent further decline. At our clinic, urgent cases are prioritised, so you can usually see Professor Williamson within 48 hours.
Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD) occurs when the clear, gel-like vitreous inside your eye naturally pulls away from the retina. It’s a normal change that becomes more common after the age of 40, especially in people who are short-sighted. In most cases, it’s harmless and doesn’t require treatment. The risk is that, in some people, this separation tugs on the retina strongly enough to cause a tear. A retinal tear can rapidly lead to a detachment, a sight-threatening emergency. Around 1 in 10 people with acute PVD have a retinal tear, which usually needs prompt laser treatment to prevent further damage. That’s why if you suddenly see new floaters, bright flashes of light, or a shadow moving across your vision, it’s important to have your eyes examined without delay.
If you’ve been diagnosed with a retinal detachment, urgent treatment is essential to protect your sight. Most urgent cases at our central London clinic are seen within 48 hours.
A leaking blood vessel in the eye, often due to retinal vein occlusion (RVO), happens when a retinal vein becomes blocked and fluid leaks into the retina. This leads to swelling (macular oedema) and vision disturbance. The causes of retinal vein occlusion are usually blood clots, hardened arteries, or conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes. There are two main types: Central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) – the main retinal vein is blocked, affecting the entire retina. Branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) – a smaller vein is blocked, affecting only part of the retina. If you are experiencing the symptoms of retinal vein occlusion such as sudden vision loss or distortion, early diagnosis and treatment can give the best chance of preserving sight.
Arrange an urgent assessment if you notice:
If you’ve been told you may have a retinal hole, or are noticing changes to your vision, we offer prompt, expert-led diagnosis and treatment in central London. Urgent cases are prioritised for the earliest possible appointment, often within 48 hours.
If you've been told you may have a retinal tear, or have noticed new floaters or flashes, it’s important to speak to a retinal specialist. Many tears can be treated quickly and effectively, but it’s important to address them early. At our London clinic, you’ll be seen by Professor Tom Williamson, one of the UK’s leading retinal surgeons. Urgent cases are prioritised for the earliest possible appointment, often within 48 hours.
If you’ve been told you may have uveitis, or you’re noticing sudden changes in your vision, eye pain, or light sensitivity, you can count on us to help. We offer fast, expert-led assessment and treatment of uveitis at our central London clinic.
With more than 40 years’ experience in vitreoretinal surgery, Professor Tom Williamson has treated thousands of patients with complex eye conditions. Vitrectomy is one of the procedures he performs regularly, helping to restore sight in cases of: Retinal detachment Retinal holes and tears Floaters Lamellar holes Macular holes
Regain clear vision with YAG laser capsulotomy by Professor Tom Williamson in London. Call the team and choose a time to be seen.