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Private Glaucoma Treatment London

Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD) Treatment 1

At a glance:

GLAUCOMA TREATMENT

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Symptoms:

Blurred vision, eye pain and visual field loss. It can also be entirely asymptomatic, a “silent thief of sight”.

Diagnosis:

Early detection through an in-depth eye examination and visual field tests. 

Treatment:

Personalised patient treatment options: drops, laser treatment and surgery.  

Glaucoma Treatment 1

Our clinic operates as a private surgery and is not affiliated with the NHS (National Health Service)

What is Glaucoma?


Glaucoma is a group of conditions that damage the eye’s optic nerve over time. The commonest type of glaucoma is known as the “silent thief of sight,” it’s caused by high eye pressure and can lead to permanent blindness if not treated. It causes gradual painless loss of visual field which goes unnoticed by the patient until it is in its advanced state. 

This common type of glaucoma is called “Open angle glaucoma”. It is an eye condition known to not show early symptoms in its early stages, so regular eye exams are necessary for detecting it. When symptoms do appear, they might show as blurred vision but can also progress to more severe issues like the loss of side vision if not detected early. Other types of glaucoma are symptomatic with blurred vision and sometimes pain, which can be acute.  

Main risk factors for glaucoma include the ageing process, family medical history, and certain health conditions like diabetes. If you have someone in the family who has glaucoma, we recommend making regular appointments with one of our ophthalmologists for a glaucoma check. In addition, those with diabetes are more likely to get glaucoma, and those over 40 should have regular eye exams to prevent severe forms of the disease in the future. 

Most glaucomas are characterised by raised eye pressure, or high intraocular pressure, which is measured by the specialist. There is a rare glaucoma known as “low pressure” glaucoma where the eye pressures are always within the normal range, but despite this, nerve loss and visual field loss occurs slowly.  

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Different Types of Glaucoma


There is more than one type of glaucoma, and understanding it requires delving into its diverse types, each with unique characteristics, symptoms, and treatment approaches.

At Clinica London, we tailor our care strategies to align with the specific type of glaucoma, ensuring precision and effectiveness in every intervention. Ms Laura Crawley is the highly experience Glaucoma and cataract specialist in charge of Clinica´s Glaucoma service.

The Clinica London Glaucoma specialists will carry out simple outpatient tests, including vision measurement, corneal thickness, anterior angle examination and eye pressure, ocular coherence tomography of the optic disc (OCT) and angles, and visual fields, depending on the clinical history. They may dilate the pupils cautiously to complete the glaucoma examination.

Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG)

Primary Open Angle Glaucoma is the most common type and is characterised by a gradual increase in intraocular pressure. This pressure results from the slow clogging of the eye’s drainage canals and when increased, it silently damages the optic nerve over time, leading to vision loss.

Regular eye screenings are vital to detect and manage this type of glaucoma early, preventing extensive vision loss. Treatment typically involves medications, laser therapy, or surgery to enhance eye fluid drainage and reduce the eye’s pressure.

Angle Closure Glaucoma (ACG)

Angle Closure Glaucoma is a more acute and potentially sight-threatening type of glaucoma. It occurs when the eye’s canals are suddenly blocked, leading to a rapid increase in pressure. Symptoms like severe eye pain, nausea, redness in the eye, and blurred vision are common and require immediate medical attention.

At Clinica London, our rapid response to ACG cases prioritises immediate pressure reduction to prevent optic nerve damage. Treatments include medications to quickly lower eye pressure and laser therapy to create a new drainage pathway for the eye fluid.

Secondary Glaucoma

Secondary Glaucoma is a complex condition type resulting from an underlying eye or systemic issue. Whether it’s an eye injury, inflammation, tumour, or the aftermath of certain medications, this type of glaucoma is as diverse as its causes.

Treatment for secondary glaucoma is dual-faceted at Clinica London. We focus on managing the increased intraocular pressure and addressing the underlying condition causing it. Our precision and personalised care ensure every patient’s unique journey is met with an effective treatment plan.


Glaucoma Treatment Benefits


At Clinica London, we use the latest technology and expert knowledge to treat glaucoma. Our treatments do more than help with symptoms; they aim to improve the patient’s overall well-being and quality of life.This includes:

  • Lower Intraocular Pressure: A raised eye pressure worsens glaucoma. When we lower it, it alleviates the symptoms, preventing further optic never damage.
  • Preservation of Visual Acuity: Undergoing treatments, especially when initiated early, stop this advancement, ensuring that the patient remains with clear vision.

Our treatments are not just clinically approved but are tailored, resonating with the individual needs, health status, and type of glaucoma. It’s a bespoke experience where care is crafted, and interventions are individualised.

How Long Do the Results Last?

As glaucoma is a lifelong condition, patients may need to keep using medications. Nevertheless, through consistent check-ups and all-encompassing care, we effectively manage eye pressure, safeguarding one’s vision. Every patient receives individualised attention, ensuring that glaucoma is effectively controlled.

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Treatment Specific


Although there is no cure for glaucoma, it is treatable. Many vision problems, such as cataracts or glaucoma, can be treated simultaneously if detected early enough. Once glaucoma is diagnosed, understanding your treatment options can help prevent any further vision loss. All treatments aim to lower eye pressure, ranging from eye drops and laser treatment to surgery, including the latest minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) devices.

Laser Treatment

Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) is an innovative eye treatment that effectively reduces eye pressure by 20-30%.

At Clinica London, we perform SLT in approximately 15 minutes to enhance the eye’s natural fluid drainage system. This then reduces the reliance on daily eye drops. SLT is a gentle, precise, and non-damaging procedure, making it ideal for those who have difficulty with eye drops or seek a longer-lasting solution. The treatment offers relief from high eye pressure for 3-5 years.

Similarly, laser treatments, including SLT, can be as effective as eye drops in controlling intraocular pressure (IOP). SLT painlessly modifies the eye’s drainage pathway to drain fluid more efficiently, presenting a safe and well-tolerated alternative, especially for those who can’t use or tolerate glaucoma drops.

Surgery

In cases where glaucoma has caused advanced damage or proves resistant to drops and lasers, surgery becomes the next option. Trabeculectomy is a recognised glaucoma procedure which creates a new pathway for fluid drainage, utilising the patient’s tissue to restore balance in the pressure.

For more complicated cases, special glaucoma drainage devices are used. These devices have a silicone tube connected to a plate, which is put into the front part of the eye. MIGS is an example of a microscopic drainage tube, standing for Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery.  The tube gives another way for the fluid to drain out, thus reducing the eye pressure and damaging effect on the optic nerve and visual field.

Your surgeon may recommend removal of the natural lens, especially if it is enlarged by a cataract and is contributing to the delayed drainage of the aqueous eye fluid, and raised intra-ocular pressure.

Each glaucoma surgery is tailored to the patient and the complexity of the condition.

Celebrating 12 years of Clinica London! By Ms Jane Olver 6

Drops

Using anti-glaucoma prescription eye drops is a long-term commitment. They’re more than just medicines; they help fight high eye pressure. The main types of drops are:

Anti-glaucoma eye drops

  • Beta-blockers
  • Alpha-agonists
  • Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors
  • Combinations of the above

Each type of drop helps maintain good vision and reduce pressure.

Patients often start with a treatment plan that’s specially designed for their needs. The type of drops, their mix, and the amount given are chosen based on the person’s eye pressure, how well they tolerate the drops, and their general health. It’s all about getting it just right, with each drop making a difference and every treatment plan aiming to control glaucoma and maintain good vision.

Does Treatment hurt?

At Clinica London, comfort meets efficacy. Every procedure is conducted with the utmost care, ensuring minimal discomfort. Our advanced laser treatments are particularly noteworthy, offering precision and comfort in equal measure.

Woman having eye test at machine

Recovery & Aftercare


At Clinica London, we prioritise the post-treatment phase as much as the treatment itself. Recovery and aftercare are tailored to each patient, ensuring the best healing.

After treatment, symptoms like redness and pain might occur. These symptoms are natural healing signs. We pay close attention to them, differentiating between average recovery and potential issues.

Our team is skilled in understanding post-operative symptoms, ensuring each one is assessed correctly. Eye drops play a crucial role in recovery. They help in the healing process, but reactions to them vary among patients. Some might feel discomfort, which we see as the body’s unique response to the medication. Our aftercare is designed to provide relief and support during these hours. We combine technology, expertise, and compassion to address every symptom and concern.

RISK & SIDE EFFECTS


Undergoing glaucoma treatment is a significant move towards better vision and health. But, like all medical procedures, there can be risks and side effects. The most important factor is detecting glaucoma early, before eye visual field loss has occurred. Glaucoma can be stabilised through treatment.

We advocate informed consent, ensuring patients have all the details they need to proceed with their treatment confidently. While glaucoma treatments are highly effective, they can have some side effects. Some patients might feel discomfort after their eye drops instillation, after laser and surgical treatments, which are usually short-lived and fades as surgical healing progresses. Patients might also notice redness or swelling, which are natural reactions to the body’s healing after surgery. Some might feel numbness or tingling after treatment. There’s also a chance of temporary bruising or eye sensitivity.

Lastly, while rare, there’s a slight risk of effects on the eye and nearby areas. We focus on prevention and quick action, ensuring risks are minimised, side effects are managed, and the safety and well-being of our patients are prioritised.

OUR CONSULTANTS


Our consultant, Ms. Laura Crawley, is a highly skilled eye specialist who treats various eye conditions like glaucoma, fading vision, and more. She’s also highly skilled in cataract treatments, especially those linked to glaucoma and diabetes.

Although specialised in surgery procedures, Laura always aims to treat the cases in early stages, so to uses non-invasive methods, such as medicines and eye drops.

Ms. Laura Crawley is also a Consultant ophthalmic surgeon at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust dealing with emergency cases and an Honorary Senior Lecturer at Imperial College London. In addition, she has published on Research Gate relevant ophthalmic research on glaucoma and co-authored the book Ophthalmology at a Glance for Medical Students.

 

Ms Laura Crawley

Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
Cataract & Glaucoma Specialist

Ms Stacey Strong 3

Ms Stacey Strong

Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
Cataract & Medical Retina Specialist

Pricing

How much does glaucoma treatment cost?


The costs for the surgical and laser treatments at Clinica London do not include the initial consultation fees or specialised tests.

TreatmentPrice range
Glaucoma Surgery (Trabeculectomy)from £3000
SLT Laser (unilateral)£1020
SLT Laser (bilateral)£1270
Consultation FeesNot Included

Initial consultation fees are not included.

Our clinic operates as a private surgery and is not affiliated with the NHS (National Health Service)

GLAUCOMA TREATMENT FAQS

At Clinica London, we aim to make your treatment as smooth and effective as possible. Patients undergoing glaucoma treatment might feel stinging or see redness in their eyes due to the eye drops. While these symptoms can be concerning, they’re usually manageable.

It’s a common misconception that only the elderly get glaucoma. In reality, glaucoma can affect people of all ages, including children and infants, and adults in middle age.

Certain types of glaucoma which affect middle aged adults. Symptoms of blurred vision, halos around lights and eye pain occur intermittently in lower light levels. This is called narrow angle glaucoma and occurs when the pupil is semi-dilated in dim vision. It requires detection and treatment to avoid full blown angle closure glaucoma and loss of vision.

Award Winning Clinic in London

Clinica London is a leading ophthalmology and dermatology medical clinic. It has a sense of passion for helping patients. The clinic’s consultants are highly skilled professionals who have received British, European, and international awards in their respective fields. Clinica is honest and offers transparent treatment advice in a relaxed and comfortable environment.

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