Ross Hall Clinic Braehead
Kings Inch Place, Renfrew, Glasgow, PA4 8WF DirectionsPhone
Opening hours
Mon - Sun 8am - 9pm
Car parking
Free parking on-site
4 electric vehicle charging stations
Ross Hall Clinic Braehead offers private glaucoma services in Glasgow and further afield
Glaucoma most commonly affects adults aged 70 and over; however, glaucoma can occur in patients of any age. If glaucoma is not properly and effectively diagnosed and treated in its early stages, it can lead to vision loss. Glaucoma usually affects both eyes, with the possibility of the condition becoming worse in one eye.
In rare cases, glaucoma can develop much quicker and lead to a wide range of symptoms including the standard blurred vision and rings around lights, as well as other such as red eye, headaches, tenderness in the eye area, nausea/vomiting and intense, severe eye pain.
People can also be diagnosed with secondary glaucoma which is caused by another underlying eye condition (inflammation for example), and childhood (congenital) glaucoma, which is an extremely rare variant of the condition occurring in young children and often brought on by an abnormality of the eye.
While it is also unclear whether anything can be done in preventing glaucoma, regular eye exams are important in recognising it as soon as possible.
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) is one treatment option for glaucoma. SLT is a non-surgical form of laser surgery targeted at lowering the intraocular pressure in the eye and hence halting the spread of glaucoma and slowing down the effects of glaucoma considerably.
SLT is recognised as the first-line treatment in treating glaucoma and can be delivered to patients independently, or alternatively alongside eye drops if necessary, to reduce the intraocular pressure in the eye by improving drainage. This procedure takes approximately five minutes per eye and is expected to last around two years or more.
Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) - iStent Inject
Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) works by using microscopic-sized equipment and making tiny incisions in the eye. Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) can be carried out as an independent treatment for glaucoma; however, they are also a viable treatment options for patients who plan on undergoing cataract surgery as well.
The iStent Inject is a surgical device which is inserted into the eye to lower the pressure in the eye and control glaucoma. The iStent Inject is placed into the eye's drainage system, creating a bypass between the front part of the eye and its natural drainage system to restore the eye's natural ability to drain fluid. The procedure takes approximately five minutes. Interestingly, the iStent Inject is the smallest device which can be put in the human body, measuring one third of a millimetre.
Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) - Omni Surgical System
The Omni® Surgical System is a truly unique approach to the treatment of glaucoma. This is an implant-free procedure, setting it apart from most other MIGS. Removing as many blockages caused by the specialised tissue as possible, the Omni® is designed to relieve the pressure buildup in the eye by enabling fluid to drain more easily. The Omni® enlarges the drainage canal before delivering a unique, and importantly safe, fluid called viscoelastic which clears the channel in the eye. With a reduced resistance to fluid leaving the eye, the pressure reduces on the optic nerve.
The Omni® has the capability to reduce or even eliminate the need for drops, and can be carried out at the same time as cataract surgery. The treatment is for those with open-angle glaucoma, whether it be mild, moderate or severe.
Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) - Hydrus Microstent
The Hydrus Microstent is a miniscule (roughly the size of an eyelash) curved device that is inserted into the Schlemm’s canal. Upon insertion, the Hydrus Microstent has the ability to dilate the canal by four to five times its natural width. This counters the collapse of the Schlemm’s canal which is induced by elevated intraocular pressure.
The device is designed to be implanted in patients undergoing glaucoma surgery in conjunction with cataract surgery, reducing the intraocular pressure in adults with mild to moderate primary open-angle glaucoma.
Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) - Preserflo MicroShunt
The Preserflo MicroShunt is a minute tube (8mm long) which is inserted into the eye to help lower the intraocular pressure and reduce reliance on medication. The aim of the device is twofold – to reduce pressure in the eye, and subsequently slow down any further damage to the optic nerve.
The device works in a similar manner to Trabeculectomy surgery – the more traditional means of glaucoma surgery – by draining fluid from the inside of the eye to the outside under the conjunctiva. The fluid being drained is pooled under the conjunctiva to form a ‘bleb.’ This bleb remains as long as the fluid drains.
Trabeculectomy Surgery
A trabeculectomy is a surgical operation for treating glaucoma designed to lower intraocular pressure inside the eye when both laser and medical treatments fail. This occurs by making a small hole in the wall of the eye, before going on to drain the eye. This reduces pressure levels on the optic nerve, whilst also slowing down and preventing any further damage and vision loss.
After these tests and scans are complete, our Glaucoma Specialist will then outline a personalised patient pathway plan for you, discussing your options regarding glaucoma treatment - glaucoma medications, glaucoma management, and glaucoma surgery. Each option will be presented and explained in depth in coming to the most appropriate glaucoma treatment plan for you.
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) Recovery Time
SLT is an outpatient procedure, meaning patients are usually allowed to return home the same day as their glaucoma treatment. With SLT, the full effects of this glaucoma treatment can take up to 3 months. Patients can expect common symptoms such as blurred vision to last up to 24 hours, whilst others such as slight irritation to last for up to 48 hours. It is important that patients continue to take their prescribed glaucoma medications as well as any other prescribed eye drops.
Patients will require a follow-up appointment after their SLT glaucoma treatment to properly gauge the intraocular pressure and check-up on any symptoms the patient may be experiencing.
The effects of SLT can last anywhere between 2-5 years in patients. Crucially, SLT as a glaucoma treatment can be repeated.
Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) Recovery Time
Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) is a day case procedure, meaning patients are usually allowed to return home the same day as their glaucoma surgery. Patients will be prescribed antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops to use after their surgery.
Patients will require two follow-up appointments after their glaucoma surgery; one day post-op and one month post-op.
After glaucoma surgery, patients may be recommended to take a few days off from work and refrain from strenuous activities. The recovery time after this glaucoma surgery is generally rapid, allowing patients a quick return to normal activities.
Trabeculectomy Surgery Recovery Time
Trabeculectomy glaucoma surgery is a day case procedure, meaning patients are usually allowed to return home the same day as their surgery.
Patients will require continuous follow-up care with their Consultant Ophthalmologist after their glaucoma surgery.
There are a number of steps prescribed in the aftercare for this glaucoma surgery. Patients may be required to take steroid eyedrops for healing and to prevent scarring, cover their eye with a shield when sleeping, avoid rubbing the eye, and avoid heavy lifting, straining, and vigorous exercise. It can take anywhere between two to six weeks for a patient's eye to properly recover from this glaucoma surgery.
We also offer flexible finance through our dedicated finance provider, Chrysalis Finance. Patients have the ability to spread the cost of their treatment over up to 5 years. If patients choose to spread the cost over 10 months, then these payments will be interest free. Should patients choose to pay over a longer period, 14.9% APR will apply. To find out more about our flexible finance, please visit here.
*All prices are per eye and are based on treatment under local anaesthetic. These are just guide prices and will differ from person to person because our treatment packages are all personalised. For more information, give us a call.
Our entire patient pathway takes place within a clinical environment, and we work to the highest standard of governance whilst following stringent processes to ensure quality outcomes for patients.
With enhanced patient pathways and streamlined consultation-to-treatment journeys at the heart of Eye Care Scotland at Ross Hall Clinic Braehead you can be confident in receiving the highest levels of care throughout your whole journey with us - from diagnoses to treatment and right through to your recovery.