Glaucoma Treatment
- UK-trained specialist with international fellowship experience
- Prize-winning internationally recognised consultant ophthalmologist
- Elite World College Refractive Surgery Fellow
- Boutique consultant-led service, not corporate volume
- Full spectrum vision correction procedures available
- Referred by fellow surgeons for complex laser surgery cases
Protecting Sight with Advanced Glaucoma Care
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible vision loss, developing when damage to the optic nerve occurs, most often due to raised pressure inside the eye. As the condition usually progresses without noticeable symptoms, many people do not realise they have glaucoma until significant vision changes have already taken place. This makes early detection through regular eye examinations essential to protect sight.
Although glaucoma cannot be reversed, it can be managed effectively with the right care. Modern glaucoma treatment offers several approaches to control eye pressure and slow progression, helping to safeguard vision for the future. With specialist support, patients can access the investigations and treatments needed to keep the condition under control.
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma refers to a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, which is responsible for carrying visual information from the eye to the brain. In most cases, this damage is associated with raised intraocular pressure, though glaucoma can also develop in people with normal pressure levels.
There are several recognised types of glaucoma:
- Open-angle glaucoma: the most common form, where drainage becomes less effective over time.
- Angle-closure glaucoma: where fluid is suddenly blocked from draining, causing a rapid rise in pressure.
- Congenital glaucoma: a rare form present at birth.
- Secondary glaucoma: resulting from another eye condition, injury, or medication use.
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause of glaucoma is not fully understood, but several risk factors make the condition more likely to develop. These include:
Family history: close relatives with glaucoma increase personal risk
Raised intraocular pressure: a key factor in optic nerve damage.
Age: more common in people over 40.
Ethnic background: prevalence is higher in African, Asian and Hispanic populations.
Medical conditions: including diabetes and hypertension.
Previous eye injury: trauma can increase the risk of glaucoma developing later.
Long-term use of steroid medications: particularly steroid eye drops, may raise eye pressure.
Symptoms of Glaucoma
Glaucoma is often referred to as the “silent thief of sight” because early stages rarely cause noticeable symptoms. For many people, the first sign is a gradual loss of peripheral vision.
As the condition progresses, symptoms may include:
- Patchy or blurred areas of vision
- Tunnel vision in advanced stages
- Acute episodes in angle-closure glaucoma, with sudden eye pain, headache, blurred vision, halos around lights, or nausea
When to Seek Professional Help
It is important to have regular eye examinations even if no symptoms are present, as this is the only way to detect glaucoma at an early stage. Those with a family history, older adults, or people with other risk factors should be particularly vigilant. Urgent assessment is needed if sudden visual changes occur, particularly if accompanied by eye pain, halos, or nausea, as these may signal an acute angle-closure attack.
Diagnosis of Glaucoma
Glaucoma diagnosis in the UK typically involves several tests, often carried out as part of a comprehensive eye examination. These may include:
- Tonometry: to measure eye pressure.
- Visual field testing: to check for areas of vision loss.
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT): imaging to evaluate the optic nerve and retinal layers.
- Gonioscopy: to examine the drainage angle of the eye.
At The Vision Surgeon, these assessments are overseen by Mr Mukherjee, who uses advanced diagnostic technology to ensure an accurate evaluation. This allows for early detection and the development of a tailored management plan.
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Glaucoma Treatment Options
Glaucoma treatment aims to lower intraocular pressure to slow or prevent further optic nerve damage. The right approach depends on the type of glaucoma, its severity and how the condition responds over time.
Non-Surgical Options
Eye drops are the most common first step, working to reduce fluid production in the eye or improve its drainage. Oral medications may also be considered in some circumstances.
Laser-Based Treatments
Laser therapy can help improve the drainage of fluid within the eye or create a small opening to relieve pressure. This is commonly used for both open-angle and angle-closure glaucoma.
Surgical Approaches
When other measures are insufficient, surgery may be recommended. Procedures can create new drainage channels or use implants to control pressure more effectively. Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery is also being explored as an option for selected patients.
One option is Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) — a non-invasive outpatient laser treatment that targets the drainage tissue inside the eye (the trabecular meshwork). By using short, low-energy laser pulses, SLT increases fluid outflow and lowers eye pressure without incisions. It can be repeated if necessary and is often considered before or alongside eye drops.
For patients needing a more sustained pressure-lowering effect, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) procedures such as the iStent may be used. The iStent is a microscopic titanium implant placed inside the eye’s drainage system during a quick surgical procedure (often combined with cataract surgery). It acts like a tiny bypass, allowing fluid to drain more easily and reducing intraocular pressure with less tissue disruption than traditional surgery.
Other surgical options, such as trabeculectomy or drainage tube implants, may be recommended when more advanced pressure control is required. Your consultant will discuss the most suitable procedure based on the type and severity of your glaucoma, previous treatments and overall eye health.
Why Choose The Vision Surgeon?
Choosing a trusted consultant for glaucoma care is important to ensure accurate diagnosis, tailored treatment and long-term monitoring. At The Vision Surgeon, patients benefit from:
Fellowship trained Consultant-led care: with experience across glaucoma diagnosis and management.
Advanced diagnostic technology: ensuring precise and early detection
Comprehensive treatment options: including medical, laser and surgical approaches tailored to individual needs.
Ongoing monitoring: to assess treatment effectiveness and preserve vision.
Personalised care plans: developed to suit each patient’s type and stage of glaucoma.
Continuity of care: from initial consultation through long-term follow-up.
Meet Mr. Mukherjee
MBChB(hons) FRCOphth CertLRS
Mr. Mukherjee is one of the UK’s most qualified eye surgeons, offering exceptional care in Colchester. His unique credentials include:
- Prize winning Consultant Ophthalmologist & Clinical Lead – Colchester Eye Centre, ESNEFT
- Specialist in Cornea, Refractive Surgery, and Glaucoma
- Fellow of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists (FRCOphth)
- Elected Fellow World College Refractive Surgery (FWCRS)
- Certificate in Laser Refractive Surgery (CertLRS) – Royal College of Ophthalmologists
Triple Post-CCT Fellowships:
- Cornea & External Disease –Cambridge University Hospital & University Hospital of Wales
- Glaucoma & Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) – King’s College Hospital, London
- Laser eye Surgery & Keratoconus –Emmetropia Eye Institute, Greece
Frequently Asked Questions
What is usually the first sign of glaucoma?
The first sign is often a gradual loss of peripheral vision, which can be subtle and easily overlooked. Because this change happens slowly, regular eye examinations are the best way to detect glaucoma before significant vision is lost.
Is glaucoma hereditary?
Yes, glaucoma can run in families and having a close relative with the condition increases your risk. For this reason, people with a family history are advised to have more frequent eye health checks.
What happens if glaucoma is left untreated?
If untreated, glaucoma can cause progressive optic nerve damage and permanent vision loss. In advanced cases, this damage may eventually lead to blindness, which is why early diagnosis is so important.
How is glaucoma diagnosed in the UK?
Glaucoma is diagnosed through a combination of eye pressure tests, optic nerve scans and visual field checks. These investigations are carried out during a comprehensive eye examination to build a clear picture of eye health.
Can glaucoma be treated without surgery?
Yes, many patients manage the condition with prescription eye drops or laser therapy. Surgery is usually considered only if these methods do not keep eye pressure under control.
How does laser treatment for glaucoma work?
Laser therapy improves fluid drainage or creates a small opening in the eye to relieve pressure. This method can be highly effective for both open-angle and angle-closure glaucoma and is widely used as part of standard care.
How long does glaucoma treatment take?
The length of treatment depends on the approach used and the type of glaucoma. Eye drops may need to be used every day for life, while laser or surgical procedures are usually completed in a single session with scheduled follow-up care.
Is glaucoma treatment available privately in the UK?
Yes, glaucoma treatment is available both through the NHS and in private clinics. Private care may provide quicker access to appointments and a broader choice of treatment options.
What is the success rate of glaucoma surgery?
Glaucoma surgery is generally effective at lowering eye pressure, though the exact results vary between individuals. Success often depends on the type of glaucoma, the procedure chosen and how well aftercare instructions are followed.
Do all glaucoma patients need surgery?
No, most patients are managed successfully with drops or laser therapy. Surgery is generally reserved for more advanced cases or where other treatments are not enough to reduce eye pressure.
Ready to Transform Your Vision?
Ready to transform your vision? Take the first step towards improving your sight with a comprehensive consultation with Mr. Mukherjee. Discover which procedure is right for you and start your journey to visual independence.