What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, usually associated with raised pressure inside the eye. It typically progresses slowly and painlessly, affecting peripheral vision first before central sight is impacted, which is why it’s often called the “silent thief of sight.” Left undiagnosed or untreated, glaucoma can lead to permanent, irreversible vision loss, which is why regular monitoring matters as much as treatment itself.
Types of Glaucoma Treatment
Eye Drops
Pressure-lowering drops are usually the first line of treatment, tailored to your eye, general health and lifestyle.
Laser Treatment
Treatments such as selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) can improve the eye’s natural drainage and lower pressure, or delay the need for drops.
Glaucoma Surgery
Where drops and laser don’t adequately control pressure, surgery, from MIGS to trabeculectomy and aqueous shunt surgery, may be recommended.
Why Choose Mr Miles Parnell
Mr Parnell is a Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon and Lead for the Glaucoma Service at The Royal Eye Unit, Kingston Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, and former Glaucoma Clinical Lead at Princess Royal University Hospital. He completed a subspecialty Advanced Glaucoma Fellowship at King’s College Hospital and holds an MSc (Distinction) in Glaucoma Research from UCL’s Institute of Ophthalmology, one of a relatively small number of UK ophthalmologists offering the complete spectrum of glaucoma care under one specialist.
FAQs
Can glaucoma be cured?
No, but it can almost always be controlled. With appropriate treatment and regular monitoring, most people with glaucoma keep useful vision for life.
Is glaucoma hereditary?
Family history is one of the strongest risk factors for glaucoma, so close relatives of those diagnosed are generally advised to have regular eye checks from an earlier age.
How often should glaucoma be monitored?
This depends on the type and severity of glaucoma, but most patients are reviewed every four to twelve months.
What are the early signs of glaucoma?
Most people notice no symptoms in the early stages, which is why regular eye pressure and optic nerve checks are the main way glaucoma is caught early.