Glaucoma Treatments

About Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often due to increased pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure, or IOP). It is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide, especially in older adults. Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent or slow down vision loss.

Symptoms

Early stages: Usually no symptoms (especially in open-angle glaucoma).

As it progresses:

• Gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision.
• Tunnel vision in advanced stages.
• Higher risk of falls

Acute angle-closure glaucoma:

• Severe headache or eye pain.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Halos around lights.
• Sudden blurred vision which can be permanent and substantial.

Diagnosis

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often due to high intraocular pressure (IOP). Early diagnosis is crucial to prevent vision loss.

How Glaucoma is Diagnosed:

Eye Pressure Measurement (Tonometry):
Measures the pressure inside your eye. Elevated pressure can indicate glaucoma.

Optic Nerve Examination (Ophthalmoscopy):
The doctor examines the optic nerve for signs of damage.

Visual Field Test (Perimetry):
Assesses peripheral (side) vision, which is often affected first.

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT):
A non-invasive scan that shows the thickness of the optic nerve and retina.

Gonioscopy:
Examines the drainage angle in the eye to classify the type of glaucoma (open-angle or angle-closure).

Treatment

At Kent Eye centre we offer various laser and surgical options for glaucoma management:

• Lasers
  • Selective laser trabeculoplasty ( SLT ) for open angle glaucoma and Ocular hypertension
  • YAG peripheral Iridotomy in selected cases of narrow angles.
• Surgical
  • Phacoemulisification combined with Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery ( MIGS  like istent , OMNI , Hydrus
  • Preserflo With Mitimycin C

i-Stent

Micro-Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) is a great option for patients with mild to moderate glaucoma, especially when they need better intraocular pressure (IOP) control while minimizing risks associated with traditional glaucoma surgeries.

Devices like the iStent work by bypassing the trabecular meshwork, allowing aqueous humor to drain more efficiently and reducing eye pressure. MIGS procedures typically have:

• • • Minimally invasive techniques (small incisions, less tissue disruption)
    • Faster recovery times compared to traditional surgeries
    • Lower risk of complications
    • Can be combined with cataract surgery for added benefits

View the i-Stent brochure

Preserflo Microshunt

The PRESERFLO Microshunt is an aqueous shunt that is less than 1mm thick with a winged design; The tube is designed to ensure the correct amount of fluid flows out of the eye, and the wings help to prevent leakage and make sure the device stays in place.

Trabeculectomy

Trabeculectomy is a type of glaucoma surgery performed on the eye that creates a new pathway for fluid inside the eye to be drained.  It is used to prevent worsening of vision loss due to glaucoma by lowering eye pressure.

View information about Trabeculectomy

Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT)

SLT is one option for lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) for patients who have open-angle glaucoma in the early stages. It can also be used in combination with drug therapy or as an alternative therapy when drugs fail. It is a flexible treatment option and can be repeated if necessary, depending on the individual patient’s response.

YAG PI

For more information on Glaucoma please visit Glaucoma UK | Here to support people with glaucoma

Costs

A consultation including comprehensive assessment is at a cost of £350.  The cost of any surgical treatment required will be discussed at the consultation appointment.

Process

1. Initial Consultation & Medical History

Review of patient symptoms (e.g. blurred vision, eye pressure, family history)

General health and medication history

Discussion of any previous eye conditions or surgeries

2. Diagnosis & Classification

Based on test results, glaucoma may be classified as:

Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma

Angle-Closure Glaucoma

Normal-Tension Glaucoma

Secondary Glaucoma (caused by another condition)

3. Treatment Planning

Your ophthalmologist will recommend treatment based on the type and severity of glaucoma. This may include:

• Eye drops (first-line treatment)
• Laser treatment (e.g. SLT or LPI)
• Surgical options (e.g. trabeculectomy or MIGS)
• Monitoring only (in very early or low-risk cases)

4. Follow-Up Schedule

Regular follow-up is essential to monitor disease progression and treatment effectiveness:

Typically every 3–6 months

May include repeat IOP measurement, OCT scans, and visual field tests

5. Ongoing Monitoring & Adjustments

If eye pressure rises or visual field worsens, treatment is adjusted

May involve adding medications, switching to laser, or considering surgery

Continuous tracking with imaging and visual field tests ensures optimal care