Factsheets Eye Surgery for people with Learning Disabilities

Introduction

• People with learning disabilities are now more frequently experiencing eye surgery.
• Eye surgery can and does significantly improve the quality of life for many people.
• No one should be offered less favourable treatment because he or she has a disability (NHS executive).
• Different eye conditions require different surgical interventions, some of which are more complicated than others.
• With good preparation, liaison between carers and hospital staff and thorough aftercare, many people with learning disabilities can be enabled to have complex surgery and regain useful sight.

These sections on eye surgery will:

• Identify the main eye conditions that require surgery.
• Identify surgical interventions relating to these conditions.
• Advise on supporting a person through the surgery process.  
  • Support and preparation required by carers and supporters before eye surgery
  • What to expect at the eye hospital, before the operation, on the day of the eye operation, and afterwards
  • Aftercare and support that will help ensure that surgery continues to successful when patient returns home

June 2009 

For further information on this topic please read:

Plannning the Operation

Preoperative Procedures

Day of the Operation

What to Expect at Hospital

Related Information:

Cataracts and Eye Surgery

Diabetes and Eye Health

Keratoconus  

Glaucoma