020 3993 1279Glaucoma
Protect Your Vision with Expert Glaucoma Care and Treatment
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, often due to abnormally high pressure in the eye. Early detection and proper management are crucial in preserving your vision and maintaining your quality of life.
Book a ConsultationGlaucoma is a silent thief of sight, often showing no symptoms until significant vision loss occurs.
Early detection and proper management are crucial in preserving your vision and maintaining your quality of life. At OCL Vision, we specialise in comprehensive glaucoma care, providing you with the latest in diagnostic technology and personalised treatment plans.
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, often due to abnormally high pressure in the eye.
If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to irreversible vision loss. It is one of the leading causes of blindness, affecting millions of people worldwide.
Symptoms
What are the symptoms of Glaucoma?
While some types of glaucoma have no early warning signs, others may present symptoms such as:
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Blurred Vision
Difficulty focusing on objects, especially in dim light.
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Eye Pain
A constant, severe ache around your eyes or in your forehead.
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Halos Around Lights
Seeing halos or rainbow-colored circles around bright lights.
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Tunnel Vision
Gradual loss of peripheral vision.
Treatment OPTIONS
What are the treatment options for Glaucoma at OCL Vision?
Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)
MIGS represents a breakthrough in glaucoma treatment, offering a safer and less invasive alternative to traditional surgery. This category includes several procedures that effectively reduce IOP with minimal disruption to the eye's anatomy. MIGS is often recommended for those with mild to moderate glaucoma and is typically performed in conjunction with cataract surgery.
Trabeculectomy
Trabeculectomy is one of the most common and effective surgical procedures for treating glaucoma. During this surgery, a small flap is created in the sclera (the white part of the eye) to allow fluid to drain out of the eye, reducing IOP. Trabeculectomy is typically recommended if you have moderate to advanced glaucoma who have not responded well to other treatments.
iStent®
The iStent® is one of the smallest medical devices ever implanted in the human body and is used in MIGS to help lower IOP. It is inserted into the eye's drainage system to improve the outflow of fluid, reducing pressure. The iStent® is often implanted during cataract surgery and is suitable for those with mild to moderate open-angle glaucoma.
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)
SLT is a laser procedure that targets the drainage angle in the eye to enhance fluid outflow and reduce IOP. It is a safe, non-invasive treatment option for open-angle glaucoma and can be repeated if necessary. SLT is often recommended as an initial treatment or as a complementary therapy to medications.
Tube Implants
Tube implants, or glaucoma drainage devices, are used to create a new drainage pathway for the aqueous humor when other surgeries have failed. These tiny tubes are inserted into the eye to divert fluid to an external reservoir, lowering IOP. Tube implants are typically recommended if you have complex or advanced glaucoma.
PreserFlo™ MicroShunt
The PreserFlo™ MicroShunt is a novel, minimally invasive device designed to reduce IOP in individuals with primary open-angle glaucoma. This small, flexible tube is implanted just beneath the conjunctiva (the clear membrane covering the eye) to create a new drainage pathway for fluid. The PreserFlo™ MicroShunt offers a low-risk, effective solution for managing glaucoma and is an excellent option for patients who need long-term IOP control.
PATIENT JOURNEY
What is the process of glaucoma treatments?
Find out more about the process of glaucoma treatments, from initial consultation to aftercare and recovery.
Bespoke Consultation
At your first consultation, you'll meet our team of specialist technicians, opticians, and your chosen expert surgeon. The 90-minute consultation includes a thorough eye examination using advanced diagnostic equipment. We'll assess your vision and discuss your lifestyle to recommend the most suitable treatment, for you to make an informed decision.
Personalised Treatment
We believe in a personalised approach, customising each treatment to meet your unique visual needs. This ensures you receive the best possible procedure for your eyes and vision. Trust is paramount when it comes to your eyes, and we are committed to honesty and transparency, offering evidence-based treatments that prioritise your well-being.
Preparing for surgery
Our team will guide you through any necessary paperwork and explain how to use your post-operative eye drops, as well as how to best look after your eyes in the days and weeks following surgery. You will meet your surgeon again before the procedure and have ample opportunity to ask any questions.
Procedure
When you arrive for your appointment, our experienced, friendly, and empathetic team of nurses and technicians will welcome you and put you at ease. During the surgery, your surgeon will reassure you and talk you through each step, helping you feel calm and in control. Please expect your vision to be blurry, we advise you not to drive.
Aftercare & Results
Thanks to our advanced techniques and state-of-the-art technology, you will enjoy perfect vision as early as the next day, depending on your procedure. Follow-up appointments are part of our comprehensive aftercare package and at each appointment we will check your vision and eye health. Our team are accessible should you have any questions or concerns.
Emma Laser Eye surgeryThe way I was dealt by Dr Laginaf was nothing short of outstanding. She went above and beyond and I would like to thank Dr Laginaf for the attention to detail.
Suhail VitrectomyGreat experience with Dr Chien Wong and his team. I needed to have three separate operations to repair a detached retina and poor NHS interventions. Amazing care and treatment and 2 years later still very grateful for their efforts.
Gordon Cataract SurgerySo much care, from the initial enquiry to the final check-up, every team member treats you as if you are the most important person they have ever dealt with. I completed my treatment feeling valued and with better than 20/20 vision.
Read our eye surgery reviews
Glaucoma FAQ's
View knowledge baseWhat are the main treatment options for glaucoma?
Glaucoma treatments aim to lower intraocular pressure (IOP) and prevent vision loss. The main options include prescription eye drops, oral medications, laser treatments like Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT), and surgical procedures such as Trabeculectomy, MIGS (Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery), and tube implants. Your eye specialist will recommend the best treatment based on the type and severity of your glaucoma.
Can glaucoma be cured?
Glaucoma cannot be cured, but it can be effectively managed with early detection and proper treatment. The goal of glaucoma treatment is to control IOP and prevent further damage to the optic nerve, thereby preserving vision. Regular monitoring and adherence to your treatment plan are essential to managing the condition successfully.
How often should I see my eye doctor if I have glaucoma?
If you have glaucoma, it’s important to have regular check-ups, typically every 3 to 6 months, depending on the severity of your condition and the treatment you're receiving. Regular visits allow your doctor to monitor your IOP, assess the health of your optic nerve, and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
