Glaucoma treatment lowers eye pressure and helps protect the optic nerve from further damage, preserving vision for the long term. We offer a comprehensive range of treatment options, tailored to the type and severity of glaucoma.
Glaucoma refers to a group of conditions that slowly damage the optic nerve, the pathway that carries visual signals from your eyes to your brain. This damage is often linked to increased eye pressure, though in some cases, it can occur even when eye pressure is within the normal range.
Glaucoma comes in several forms, each defined by how fluid drains from the eye and how it affects the optic nerve. Having an accurate diagnosis in your specific glaucoma type allows us to recommend the most effective treatment to protect your vision.
The most common type, developing when drainage channels become less efficient, causing eye pressure to build up slowly over time.
Occurs when the iris blocks the drainage angle, either suddenly (acute) or over time (chronic), causing eye pressure to rise
Optic nerve damage occurs even though eye pressure stays within the normal range
Develops as a result of other eye conditions, such as inflammation, injury, or long-term use of certain medications
While anyone can develop the condition, certain factors can make you more likely to be affected. This can help guide decisions about screening and early treatment, giving you the best chance of protecting your vision for the long term. Some risk factors include:
Glaucoma often causes no symptoms, earning it the nickname “the silent thief of sight”. The condition usually begins by affecting the side vision, making changes subtle and easy to miss. You may notice the following symptoms as glaucoma progresses:
Glaucoma usually develops slowly and without pain, so many people don’t realise they have it until vision loss has already occurred. Once damaged, the optic nerve cannot be repaired. Since symptoms often only appear after significant damage has been done, regular eye examinations are the best way to catch glaucoma early, before your vision is affected.
In approaching every individual with glaucoma, we will carefully review your case and discuss with you possible treatment options. Different treatment options are available as glaucoma varies in its cause, severity, and response to therapy, requiring a customised approach. In some patients, more than one approach may be used together to achieve better pressure control.
Medicated eye drops are commonly used as the first line of treatment for glaucoma. These medications work by lowering eye pressure, either reducing the fluid produced in the eye or improving the drainage of fluid through the eye’s natural outflow pathways. Lower eye pressure helps reduce stress on the optic nerve.
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty is a procedure that aims to lower eye pressure in people with open-angle glaucoma. A controlled laser is applied to specific cells within the drainage angle. This stimulates the tissues to function more effectively and improve the outflow of fluid from the eye, reducing eye pressure.
Laser Peripheral Iridotomy is a procedure that aims to lower eye pressure that aims to lower eye pressure in people with angle closure glaucoma. It creates a small opening in the iris, relieving blockage and allowing fluid to drain more freely through the eye’s natural drainage channel. This helps bring eye pressure back down to a safer level.
Transscleral Cyclophotocoagulation (TCP) is a laser procedure used to lower eye pressure in glaucoma. A specialised probe is placed against the outside of the eye to treat the area that produces fluid, helping to reduce fluid production and bring the pressure down.
The treatment may be performed using a cycloiodide laser, which delivers continuous laser energy, or micropulse TCP, which delivers the laser in short pulses to allow the tissue to cool between each pulse. The most suitable approach depends on your eye condition and treatment needs.
MIGS offers a safer and less invasive alternative to traditional surgery. This category includes several procedures that effectively reduce eye pressure, 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, allowing patients to address both conditions in a single procedure while reducing recovery time and surgical risk compared to traditional glaucoma surgeries.
The iStent® is used in MIGS to help lower eye pressure by improving the eye’s natural drainage. It is inserted directly into the trabecular meshwork, the eye’s primary drainage structure, to create a bypass that improves the outflow of fluid and reduces pressure.
The Hydrus® Microstent is another device used in MIGS to help lower eye pressure. It’s a tiny, flexible device that gently holds open part of the eye’s natural drainage pathway so fluid can flow out more easily. Like the iStent, it’s usually placed during cataract surgery. The goal is to reduce the need for eye drops and offer a safer option than more invasive traditional surgery.
Trabeculectomy is a surgical procedure used to lower eye pressure by creating a new pathway for fluid to drain from the eye. The surgeon creates a small drainage opening in the sclera (the white of the eye), allowing fluid to flow out of the eye and collect beneath the conjunctiva. From there, the fluid is gradually absorbed into surrounding tissues, reducing pressure inside the eye.
Glaucoma drainage devices, or tube implants are used to create a new drainage pathway for the fluid in the eye. A small tube is placed inside the eye and connects to a plate positioned on the outer surface of the eye. This allows fluid to drain out of the eye and collect in the reservoir, where it’s gradually absorbed by the surrounding tissue, helping to lower eye pressure. These devices are often considered for more advanced or complex cases of glaucoma.
Choosing the right treatment depends on several factors, including your eye anatomy, the severity of your glaucoma, and how you’ve responded to previous treatments. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, what works well for one patient may not be the best option for another.
The best way to determine the right treatment plan is through a personalised consultation with us. During your visit, we’ll assess your individual condition and discuss which options are most suitable for you. We’ll walk you through the benefits and risks of each option so you can make an informed decision about your eye health with confidence.
Book a consultation with us today to discuss your options and take the next step toward protecting your vision.
From your initial consultation to treatment and follow-up care, our team will guide you through every stage of your journey. We will take the time to explain your condition, answer your questions and help you feel informed and supported throughout your care.
Your consultation begins with a detailed assessment of your vision and eye health. Depending on your condition, this may include measurements of your vision and eye pressure, examination of the front and back of the eye, and advanced diagnostic imaging.
Our team will guide you through each test and explain what is being assessed. Your results will then be carefully reviewed to understand your individual needs and determine whether monitoring or treatment may be recommended.
Every eye and every patient is different. Your treatment plan will be tailored according to your examination findings, visual needs, general health and lifestyle.
We will explain the recommended treatment, its expected benefits, possible risks and any suitable alternatives in a clear and straightforward manner. You will have time to ask questions and consider your options before deciding how you would like to proceed.
Before your treatment, our team will guide you through the necessary preparations, paperwork and medication instructions. Where applicable, we will explain how to use your prescribed eye drops and how to care for your eyes afterwards.
We understand that undergoing a procedure can feel unfamiliar or worrying. Our team will be available to answer your questions and ensure that you know what to expect before the day of your treatment.
On the day of your procedure, you will arrive at the hospital or surgical centre where your operation has been scheduled. The surgical team will help you prepare and explain what will happen at each stage.
Anaesthetic eye drops or other forms of anaesthesia may be used, depending on the procedure, to keep you comfortable. Your doctor and the surgical team will support and reassure you throughout the operation.
Most eye surgeries are performed as day procedures, although the duration and recovery process will depend on the treatment you receive. Your vision may be temporarily blurred afterwards, so you should arrange for someone to accompany you home and should not drive unless your doctor has advised that it is safe to do so.
We will provide clear instructions on how to care for your eyes, use any prescribed medication and manage your activities during recovery. We will also explain which symptoms are expected and when you should contact the clinic for further advice.
Follow-up appointments allow us to monitor your vision, assess your recovery and identify any concerns at an early stage. Our team remains accessible should you have any questions or concerns throughout your recovery.
At Ascend Eye Clinic, we understand that understanding glaucoma surgery can feel overwhelming. That is why we take a personalised approach to patient care, ensuring you have the time and support you need to make an informed decision with confidence.
Ready to take the next step? Book a consultation with us to discuss your treatment options and receive a personalised assessment tailored to your vision needs.
No. Glaucoma affects one or both eyes, and the severity is often different between them. Even when glaucoma is detected in only one eye, we continue monitoring both eyes because changes can develop at different times.
Not necessarily. However, both eyes often share the same underlying risk factors. We therefore continue monitoring the other eye for changes in eye pressure, the optic nerve and the visual field even when glaucoma is present in only one eye.
Most forms of glaucoma progress gradually over time. Acute angle-closure glaucoma is different and causes a sudden rise in eye pressure, often with severe eye pain, blurred vision, headache, nausea or vomiting. This requires urgent treatment.
Usually not. The most common forms of glaucoma develop without pain or obvious symptoms, particularly in the early stages. Acute angle-closure glaucoma is an exception and causes significant discomfort because the eye pressure rises rapidly.
No. Many people with glaucoma retain useful vision throughout their lives with appropriate treatment and regular monitoring. Treatment aims to control eye pressure and prevent or slow further damage to the optic nerve.
The rate of progression differs between patients. Some eyes remain stable for many years, while others require more intensive treatment. We monitor eye pressure, optic nerve imaging and visual field tests over time to determine how quickly the condition is changing.
You often will not notice early progression yourself because glaucoma usually affects peripheral vision gradually. We compare your optic nerve scans and visual field tests over time to detect changes before they become noticeable in everyday vision.
No. Vision lost from glaucoma results from permanent damage to the optic nerve and cannot currently be restored. Treatment therefore focuses on protecting the vision that remains and preventing further damage.
Glaucoma requires lifelong monitoring. Treatment is often long term, although the type of treatment changes according to how well the eye pressure and glaucoma are controlled. This includes eye drops, laser treatment and glaucoma surgery where appropriate.
Do not stop glaucoma drops simply because the eye pressure has improved. The pressure is often controlled because the medication is working. We will advise when drops are reduced, changed or stopped following a change in treatment, such as after laser treatment or surgery.
An occasional missed dose does not mean that glaucoma suddenly becomes worse, but repeatedly missing treatment allows the eye pressure to remain higher than intended. Consistent use of glaucoma medication is important for maintaining long-term pressure control.
Glaucoma is not diagnosed from eye pressure alone. Some people develop optic nerve damage even when their pressure falls within the usual range, known as normal-tension glaucoma. We assess the eye pressure together with the appearance of the optic nerve, retinal nerve fibre layer and visual field.
Yes. A pressure that appears satisfactory is not always low enough for a particular eye. If optic nerve scans or visual field tests show continued progression, we reassess the target eye pressure and strengthen treatment to achieve better control.
Follow-up frequency depends on the severity of glaucoma, eye pressure, rate of progression and whether treatment has recently been started or changed. Stable glaucoma generally requires less frequent review than newly diagnosed or progressing disease, but regular monitoring remains important throughout life.
Many people with early or moderate glaucoma continue driving safely. More advanced glaucoma affects peripheral vision and reduces awareness of vehicles, pedestrians and objects approaching from the side. Visual field testing helps assess whether your vision remains suitable for driving.
For most people, regular moderate exercise is appropriate. Temporary restrictions are more relevant after glaucoma surgery, while certain activities involving prolonged inverted positions require additional consideration. We will advise on any specific restrictions based on your treatment and stage of glaucoma.
No. Reading, watching television and using phones or computers do not damage the optic nerve or cause glaucoma to progress. These activities do not need to be restricted simply because you have glaucoma.
Yes. Having a close relative with glaucoma increases the risk of developing the condition. Parents, siblings and adult children should have regular comprehensive eye examinations even when their vision feels normal, because early glaucoma often develops without noticeable symptoms.
Yes. Cataract surgery often lowers eye pressure to some degree, particularly in eyes with narrow drainage angles. For suitable patients who have both cataract and glaucoma, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) can also be performed at the same time as cataract surgery to improve fluid drainage and provide additional eye pressure control. This allows both conditions to be addressed during the same procedure.
We look at whether the eye pressure has reached the target level and, more importantly, whether the optic nerve and visual field remain stable. If glaucoma continues to progress, the pressure remains too high, or multiple medications are required to maintain control, we consider laser treatment or glaucoma surgery to lower the pressure further.
