Glaucoma treatment

In rare cases symptoms can come on quickly, causing intense eye pain and head pain, nausea, vomiting and blurred vision. It is important to see a doctor as soon as possible in these cases.

Initial treatments for glaucoma

Most people will find that their glaucoma can be successfully managed using conservative and non-invasive methods.

Eye drops

Medication in the form of eye drops is often recommended as a first treatment to reduce the high eye pressure. However, if they do not work, then surgery or laser treatment will be recommended.

Eye injections for glaucoma

Your doctor can administer medicine for glaucoma into your eye using a syringe. This is a quick and easy way treatment and often can improve your symptoms. If it is not effective, surgery or laser therapy will be suggested.

Laser treatments for glaucoma

There are a number of different types of laser treatment for glaucoma, including:

YAG laser iridotomy

This uses a laser to create a small hole in your iris, allowing excess fluid to leave your eye, relieving your symptoms in turn.

Before the procedure begins, you will be seated in front of a laser machine. Anaesthetic drops will be administered to numb the front of the eye.

A special lens will be positioned against the front area of your eye. The YAG laser is then directed toward the lens to create a small hole in your iris (the coloured part of your eye). This is known as an iridotomy. This hole is typically created on the upper edge of your iris to allow fluid to move across your iris and through your trabecular meshwork (the drainage system of your eye).

During laser iridotomy surgery, you can expect to hear some clicking noises from the laser, but this is nothing to worry about. You might experience slight pain that lasts no more than a second. The laser treatment for each eye can take around five to 10 minutes to perform.

After your laser iridotomy, you will be prescribed eye drops to minimise any inflammation from the laser. You might have slightly blurred vision for the first few hours following the procedure. Your eye could also feel bruised and you could have blurred vision, which can take a couple of days to resolve.

Cyclodiode laser treatment

This uses a laser to eliminate the section of your eye tissue responsible for producing watery liquid. This can also help alleviate eye pressure.

Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)

This procedure uses a laser to open the drainage tubes in your eyes, allowing fluid to drain out of your eye, reducing any intraocular pressure (pressure in your eyes).

Laser energy is applied to the drainage tissue in the eye, encouraging it to drain fluid better. A 'cold laser' is used, meaning that its energy only affects certain tissues. This means that it causes minimal pain and scarring.

This laser treatment is often successful in reducing pressure in the eye, though its results can reduce over time, meaning that the treatment often needs to be repeated after a few years.

iStent Inject

The iStent Inject device is in fact two small – very small, they're the smallest things currently implanted into the human body and one fifth the size of a grain of rice - stents which are added to the eye. A stent is a small method of holding open tissue to allow the passage of liquid through it. The stents are inserted into in the same area as the eyes' natural drainage system.

The iStent Inject stents are made of titanium and work by creating and holding open very small extra holes in that natural drainage system of the eye. The extra and unwanted pressure inside the eye - which may lead to glaucoma - is drained through the eye's natural pathway.

This is a type of minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS).

Glaucoma surgery

In severe cases, glaucoma surgery will be recommended. This will usually be a procedure called a trabeculectomy, which involves draining some of the fluid in your eye out to lower the pressure.

Your surgeon will make a small draining hole in the lining of the white of your eye. The fluid will drain out into a space in the outer lining of your eye and collect just under your eyelid.

The operation usually takes between 45 minutes and an hour. You should be able to go home a few hours after the operation. However, your doctor may recommend that you stay in hospital overnight.

Glaucoma will not improve on its own and can cause blindness if it is not treated. The risks of glaucoma treatment should be weighed up against the risks of no treatment. Your doctor will be able to advise you on the best course of action for your condition.

Invasive glaucoma treatment is more likely to cause side effects and problems than less invasive treatments. Risks of surgery and laser therapy include:

• Loss of sight
• Bleeding
• Issues with eye pressure
• Infection
• Formation of cataracts

Is glaucoma hereditary?

Yes, glaucoma can be inherited. At Circle Health Group, we understand the concerns you may have if glaucoma runs in your family. While having a family history of glaucoma doesn't guarantee you will develop it, it can increase your risk. 

If you have a family history of eye issues, we recommend:

• Regular eye check-ups, particularly if you have family members with glaucoma
• Notify your ophthalmologist of your family history
• Consider other risk factors, including age and ethnicity

Our expert consultants can provide specialist advice based on your personal risk factors and help keep your eyes as healthy as possible.

Can you drive with glaucoma?

In most cases, yes, you can drive with glaucoma. At Circle Health Group, we're committed to helping you maintain as much of your independence as possible while managing your condition. Here's what you need to know:

• Early-stage glaucoma often doesn't affect driving ability
• You must inform the DVLA if you have glaucoma in both eyes
• Regular eye tests and sticking to your treatment plan are essential
• Your ophthalmologist can advise on your fitness to drive

Our consultants can assess your vision function and provide guidance on driving safely with glaucoma. We're here to support you in maintaining your lifestyle while managing your eye health.

How do you prevent glaucoma?

While glaucoma can't always be prevented, there are steps we can take to reduce your risk and catch it early. At Circle Health Group, we recommend:

• Regular eye exams, especially if you're over 40 or have risk factors
• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle (exercise, balanced diet, not smoking)
• Protecting your eyes from injury
• Managing conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure
• Being aware of your family history

Our expert ophthalmologists can provide personalised advice on reducing your glaucoma risk and offer early detection screenings. Remember, early diagnosis is key to saving sight.

What does glaucoma look like?

Glaucoma rarely has visible and obvious symptoms in its early stages, which is why regular eye exams are crucial. At the Circle Health Group, we use advanced diagnostic tools to detect glaucoma before it becomes visible. However, in the advanced stages, you might notice:

• Cloudy-looking eyes (especially in babies with congenital glaucoma)
• Redness in the eye (particularly in acute angle-closure glaucoma)
• A fixed, mid-dilated pupil (usually in acute angle-closure glaucoma)

It's important to note that these visible signs usually occur in advanced stages or specific types of glaucoma. Our specialists can detect glaucoma much earlier through comprehensive eye exams.

Is glaucoma a disability?

Glaucoma itself is not automatically classified as a disability, but severe cases that significantly impact vision can be considered as disabilities. At Circle Health Group, we understand the impact glaucoma can have on your daily life. Here's what you should know:

• Mild to moderate glaucoma often doesn't qualify as a disability
• Advanced glaucoma causing significant vision loss may be considered a disability

Our goal is to manage your glaucoma effectively to prevent it from progressing to a disabling level. We offer a range of treatments to help maintain your vision and quality of life.

Why take glaucoma eye drops at night?

Some glaucoma eye drops are prescribed for nighttime use due to the natural fluctuations in eye pressure throughout the day. We always look to tailor your treatment plan to your specific needs. Here's why nighttime application can be beneficial:

• Eye pressure often increases at night
• Some medications are more effective when taken before sleep
• Nighttime application can reduce daytime side effects

Your ophthalmologist will provide clear instructions on when to use your eye drops for maximum effectiveness. We’re always here to answer any questions about your treatment regimen.

Can glaucoma cause blindness?

Yes, untreated glaucoma can lead to blindness. However, at Circle Health Group, we want to reassure you that with early detection and proper treatment, blindness from glaucoma is often preventable. Here's what you need to know:

• Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide
• Vision loss from glaucoma is gradual and often starts with the peripheral vision
• Early treatment can significantly slow or even stop vision loss

Our expert ophthalmologists use advanced techniques to diagnose glaucoma early and provide effective treatments that help preserve your vision. Regular check-ups are key to preventing glaucoma-related blindness.

What should glaucoma patients avoid?

We believe in empowering our patients to take an active role in managing their glaucoma. While treatment is crucial, there are also some aspects of your lifestyle you might want to consider because of their effect on your eye health. Glaucoma patients should generally avoid:

• Smoking, which can increase eye pressure
• Excessive amounts of caffeine, as it may temporarily elevate eye pressure
• Lifting heavy weights or inverted yoga poses, which can raise eye pressure
• Missing doses of prescribed eye drops
• Not going for regular eye check-ups

Our specialists can provide personalised advice on lifestyle he kind of lifestyle changes required to go hand in hand with your glaucoma treatment, helping maintain your eye health.

What are the first signs that glaucoma is developing?

Glaucoma often develops without noticeable symptoms in its early stages, which is why it’s often called the ‘silent thief of sight’. We cannot emphasise enough the importance of regular eye exams for early detection. However, some potential early signs are:

• Slow loss of peripheral or side vision
• Difficulty adjusting to low light
• Seeing halos around lights
• Mild and unexplained headaches

It’s important to emphasise that these symptoms can be subtle and develop slowly over time. Our advanced diagnostic methods can detect glaucoma before these signs become apparent, allowing for earlier treatment and better outcomes.

Should I worry if I have glaucoma?

While a glaucoma diagnosis can be concerning, we want to reassure you that with proper management, most people with glaucoma maintain good eyesight for life. Here's why you shouldn't panic, but should take action:

• Early detection and treatment can effectively slow or stop vision loss
• Modern treatments are continuously improving
• Regular check-ups allow for timely and effective adjustments to your treatment plan

Our team is here to support you every step of the way with the latest treatments and personalised care to best manage your glaucoma.

Why do people get glaucoma?

Glaucoma can happen for various reasons. We help our patients understand their individual risk factors and how to mitigate them. Common causes include:

• Increased pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure)
• Genetic factors
• Age (risk increases after 40)
• Ethnicity (higher risk in people of African, Caribbean, or Asian origin)
• Other medical conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure
• Previous eye injuries

Knowing these risk factors can help in early detection and treatment. Our specialists can assess your individual risk and recommend appropriate screening and preventive measures.

Can glaucoma be cured at the early stage?

While there’s currently no definitive cure for glaucoma, early detection and treatment can effectively manage the condition and prevent vision loss. At Circle Health Group, we offer a range of treatments that can slow or stop the progression of glaucoma, especially when caught early. These may include:

• Eye drops to reduce intraocular pressure
• Laser treatments like Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)
• Minimally invasive procedures like iStent Inject
• Advanced surgical options for more severe cases

Remember, the key to maintaining your vision is early detection and consistent treatment. Our ophthalmologists will develop a personal treatment plan to best manage your glaucoma and preserve your vision. 

• Flexible appointment times and locations that are convenient for you
• The freedom to choose which hospital and consultant best suit your needs
• Personalised, consultant-led treatment plans tailored to your individual needs
• Comfortable and safe private facilities maintained by expert multidisciplinary teams
• Private ensuite rooms as standard
• A range of delicious healthy meals
• Affordable, fixed-price packages with aftercare included
• Flexible payment options to help you spread the cost of your care

If you would like to see a consultant or learn more about treatment for glaucoma, book your appointment online today or call a member of our team directly.

Content reviewed by Circle in-house team in February 2023. Next review due February 2026.

1. Glaucoma treatments, NHS
2. Glaucoma, National Eye Institute
3. Laser iridotomy, NHS
4. Minimally invasive glaucoma treatment options, Glaucoma.uk
5. Glaucoma, Mayo Clinic
6. Eye conditions and driving, Gov.uk
7. What Is Glaucoma? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, American Academy of Ophthalmology 
8. Glaucoma Treatments & Resources, Glaucoma research foundation