Thousands of women in Leeds may be living with avoidable sight loss

Cataracts are one of the most common eye conditions affecting people over 65 in the UK. Women are disproportionately affected by major vision problems such as cataracts and glaucoma, due to factors including longer life expectancy and hormonal changes over time.

A third (33%) of people living in Yorkshire fall into this age demographic, many of whom are at risk of, or may already be living with, avoidable sight loss.

Newmedica Leeds is urging women, particularly those over 60, to seek timely treatment for common conditions such as cataracts, which can be treated quickly and effectively.

A cataract is a common eye condition where the lens inside the eye becomes cloudy, reducing its ability to focus light clearly onto the retina. In healthy eyes the lens is transparent, but when a cataract develops, vision can become blurred or dimmed – often described as being like looking through a dirty window.

Cataract surgery, currently the only effective treatment for cataracts, involves removing the eye’s cloudy lens and replacing it with a clear artificial lens to restore vision. The procedure typically takes just 10–20 minutes, is carried out under local anaesthetic, and patients are usually able to return home the same day.

At Newmedica Leeds, patients are supported throughout the entire journey from detailed diagnostic assessments and personalised lens selection, through to surgery and tailored aftercare.

Steve Kirk, operations director at Newmedica Leeds, said “Here in Leeds, we’re seeing first-hand the difference that timely access to treatment can make. Cataract surgery is quick, safe and highly effective, yet too many people are living with poor vision longer than they need to.

“At Newmedica Leeds, we take the time to guide every patient through their journey, from their first consultation to recovery, making sure they feel informed, comfortable and supported throughout.

“This Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month, we’re encouraging women to put their eye health first. If you’ve noticed changes in your vision, don’t put it off – getting assessed could make a huge difference to your quality of life.”

The impact of cataract surgery can be life-changing. As well as restoring clarity of vision, many patients notice improved brightness and colour perception, helping them regain independence and return to everyday activities such as driving, reading and socialising.

Newmedica Leeds provides a range of NHS-funded and private treatments, delivered by experienced consultant ophthalmologists and a dedicated clinical team, including undertaking cataracts surgery and YAG laser treatment. It also conducts surgical oculoplastic procedures and manages glaucoma and ocular hypertension.

The clinic is owned and led by consultant ophthalmologists David Dunleavy, Aldrin Khan, Kamran Khan and David Richards.