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Treatment for glaucoma
SURGICAL AND NON-SURGICAL EYE CARE FOR OPTIC NERVE DAMAGE
If you've been diagnosed with glaucoma, our eye care experts offer treatment options to improve and maintain your vision
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a disorder that causes damage to the optic nerve, the nerve that carries information from the eye to the brain.
It can occur for a number of reasons, but it's generally linked to a build up of pressure in your eye (ocular hypertension). The two main types are open-angle and angle-closure glaucoma.
The most common type is primary open-angle glaucoma, and it is hereditary, if members of your immediate family have glaucoma, you may be at a much higher risk than the rest of the population.
Glaucoma can get worse over time, so it is encourage to have your eyes check regularly. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to blindness.
It can occur for a number of reasons, but it's generally linked to a build up of pressure in your eye (ocular hypertension). The two main types are open-angle and angle-closure glaucoma.
The most common type is primary open-angle glaucoma, and it is hereditary, if members of your immediate family have glaucoma, you may be at a much higher risk than the rest of the population.
Glaucoma can get worse over time, so it is encourage to have your eyes check regularly. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to blindness.
Need to know
Your treatment will depend on cause and severity of your glaucoma. Your consultant will recommend the best option for you.
Medicated eye drops or tablets can help your eye to drain more effectively and reduce built up pressure. Alternatively (or additionally) your glaucoma can be treated with a procedure called selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) or trabeculectomy for more severe or advanced cases of glaucoma.
Both procedures are done using local anaesthetic to numb your eye. SLT uses a laser to improve the drainage of fluid in your eye and relieve the pressure. A trabeculectomy creates a new channel for fluid to flow from your eye.
Medicated eye drops or tablets can help your eye to drain more effectively and reduce built up pressure. Alternatively (or additionally) your glaucoma can be treated with a procedure called selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) or trabeculectomy for more severe or advanced cases of glaucoma.
Both procedures are done using local anaesthetic to numb your eye. SLT uses a laser to improve the drainage of fluid in your eye and relieve the pressure. A trabeculectomy creates a new channel for fluid to flow from your eye.
Your consultant will explain the best procedure for you and answer any questions you may have. Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you. They'll let you know if there is anything specific you'll need to do to prepare, including avoiding certain medications in the days leading up to your procedure. Because your vision is likely to be blurry immediately afterwards, you should arrange for someone to help you get home.
Both procedures are usually done on an outpatient basis, meaning you'll be able to go home the same day. It's common to have irritable eyes and mild discomfort after the procedure. If you've had a trabeculectomy, you may need to wear a patch for the first day after surgery.
Your consultant will let you know what to expect and recommend steps to take to keep you comfortable while your eyes recover. This may include a new or additional course of medicated eye drops. Your consultant will let you know when you can get back to your normal routine, including work or exercise. They'll also let you know if and when you need to return for a follow-up.
Your consultant will let you know what to expect and recommend steps to take to keep you comfortable while your eyes recover. This may include a new or additional course of medicated eye drops. Your consultant will let you know when you can get back to your normal routine, including work or exercise. They'll also let you know if and when you need to return for a follow-up.
Paying for medical treatment
You don't need medical insurance to have fast access to our top consultants, extensive range of treatments, diagnostic tests and surgical procedures at our world-class facilities.
Our Treatment for glaucoma locations
The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road, SW1W 8RH London
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London
The Wilmslow Hospital
52-54 Alderley Road SK9 1NY Wilmslow
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This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.