Glaucoma Treatment in London
Protecting your vision through early diagnosis, expert monitoring, and advanced glaucoma treatments tailored to your condition.
Understanding Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, usually due to elevated intraocular pressure. It is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness but can be managed effectively with early intervention.
Left untreated, glaucoma can progress without symptoms until vision is permanently affected. Regular eye exams and specialist care are key to preserving sight.
Common Symptoms of Glaucoma:
- Gradual loss of peripheral vision
- Blurred or tunnel vision
- Eye pain or pressure
- Halos around lights
Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma
A slow-progressing, chronic form where fluid drains inefficiently, causing pressure build-up. Most common type.
- Optic nerve damage occurs over time
- Often symptomless until late stages
- Requires long-term monitoring and management
Primary Angle-Closure Glaucoma
Caused by sudden blockage of the eye’s drainage system, resulting in rapid pressure rise.
- Eye pain, headache, nausea, blurred vision
- A medical emergency if acute
- May require laser or surgical intervention
Secondary Glaucoma
Develops as a result of another eye condition, trauma, or medication.
- Treating underlying cause is essential
- Management depends on origin (e.g. inflammation, injury)
Congenital Glaucoma
A rare condition present from birth due to abnormal eye drainage systems.
- Symptoms include light sensitivity, tearing, enlarged eyes
- Requires early surgical intervention for vision preservation
Are You Concerned About Glaucoma?
You might need glaucoma care if:
- You’ve been told you have high eye pressure
- You have a family history of glaucoma
- You’ve noticed vision changes or blind spots
- Your optician referred you for glaucoma testing
- You want a second opinion or feel unsure about your current plan
Download The Harley Street Eye Centre Information Pack
Years helping people see better
Patients treated
Years of experience for our lead surgeon
Your Glaucoma Treatment Options
We offer a full spectrum of modern glaucoma treatments tailored to your stage and severity:
- Medical Management: Eye drops and oral medications to reduce intraocular pressure.
- Laser Therapy: Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) or Iridotomy to improve fluid drainage.
- Stent Surgery: Minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries (MIGS) such as iStent to lower pressure with fewer side effects.
Each treatment is selected based on your eye anatomy, glaucoma type, and how well you respond to initial management.
Which Treatment Is Right For You?
| Criteria | Medical Treatment | Stent Surgery |
|---|---|---|
| Mild to moderate glaucoma | ✅ | ✅ |
| Poor response to eye drops | ❌ | ✅ |
| Desire to reduce medication use | ❌ | ✅ |
| Previous laser treatment unsuccessful | ✅ | ✅ |
| Suitable eye anatomy for stent placement | ❌ | ✅ |
International Patients
We welcome patients from around the world who are seeking expert glaucoma management. Our clinic offers comprehensive diagnostic work-ups, tailored treatment planning, and close follow-up during your stay in London.
Contact our international team to help organise a seamless treatment journey.
How Much Does Glaucoma Treatment Cost?
Our pricing is transparent and based on your specific treatment plan. Following your consultation, you will receive a detailed breakdown of all expected costs.
Comprehensive
Eligibility
Assessment
From
£750 to £5,000
Per Eye
Flexible
Installments
0% Interest
Glaucoma Treatments — FAQ
Consultant-written guidance on diagnosing and managing glaucoma.
Understanding Glaucoma
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions in which the optic nerve becomes damaged, often (but not always) due to elevated pressure inside the eye. Over time, this can lead to gradual, irreversible loss of peripheral vision. Because vision loss is typically painless and subtle at first, early detection is crucial.
What are the common symptoms?
Most types of glaucoma cause no symptoms in the early stages. As the condition progresses, patients may notice narrowing of side vision or patchy blind spots. Acute angle-closure glaucoma — a separate, urgent condition — can cause severe pain, blurred vision, headache, nausea, and haloes around lights.
Why is early diagnosis so important?
Damage from glaucoma is permanent, but early diagnosis allows treatment to prevent further loss. Regular eye examinations are essential, especially if there is a family history, high eye pressure, or other risk factors.
Treatment Options at The Harley Street Eye Centre
What treatments do you offer for glaucoma?
The centre provides three main categories of treatment:
- Medications (eyedrops to lower eye pressure)
- Laser procedures (including selective laser trabeculoplasty, SLT)
Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) such as stent implantation
These aim to reduce eye pressure to a safe level and prevent further optic nerve damage.
How do glaucoma eye drops work?
Eye drops reduce pressure by either decreasing the amount of fluid produced in the eye or improving the drainage of fluid out of the eye. Several classes exist, including prostaglandin analogues, beta-blockers, and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. Your consultant will tailor the regimen to your pressure targets and lifestyle.
How effective are drops alone?
For many patients, drops are the first line of treatment and can successfully control eye pressure long-term with good adherence. Regular monitoring is still required to ensure stability.
Laser Glaucoma Treatments
What is Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)?
SLT is a gentle laser treatment that improves drainage through the eye’s natural outflow pathway. It is non-invasive, painless, and usually completed within minutes. It can be used as a first-line treatment or alongside drops.
How long does SLT last?
Many patients maintain good pressure control for several years after SLT. The effect can diminish over time, but SLT can be repeated if necessary.
Is SLT safer or more comfortable than traditional laser treatments?
SLT uses lower energy than older laser methods, making it more targeted and often better tolerated. There is minimal downtime and no incision or tissue damage.
Surgical Options
What are glaucoma stents (MIGS procedures)?
MIGS (Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery) involves implanting a tiny stent or device to enhance fluid drainage within the eye. These procedures are less invasive than traditional glaucoma surgery, involve quicker recovery, and can significantly reduce eye pressure — often reducing the need for long-term drops.
Who is suitable for a glaucoma stent?
Suitability depends on the type and severity of glaucoma, current eye pressure, previous treatments, and overall eye health. MIGS is commonly recommended for patients with mild-to-moderate glaucoma or those undergoing cataract surgery who would benefit from pressure reduction.
Is MIGS performed under local anaesthetic?
Yes. Glaucoma stent surgery is typically performed under local anaesthesia, often at the same time as cataract surgery. Recovery is generally quicker and more comfortable than traditional glaucoma surgery.
Monitoring & Long-Term Care
How often do I need follow-up appointments?
Glaucoma requires lifelong monitoring. Depending on the stability of your eye pressure and optic nerve, you may need appointments every few months. Monitoring may include pressure checks, visual field tests, nerve imaging, and optic nerve examinations.
Can glaucoma be cured?
There is no cure — but treatment is highly effective at preventing further vision loss. Many people with glaucoma maintain good vision throughout life when diagnosed early and treated appropriately.
What makes The Harley Street Eye Centre’s approach effective?
The centre provides consultant-led care using modern diagnostic tools, personalised pressure targets, and the full spectrum of treatments — from drops and laser to minimally invasive stent surgery. Emphasis is placed on early intervention, long-term monitoring, and ensuring each patient has a clear understanding of their treatment plan and expected outcomes.
Your Patient Journey
At Harley Street Eye Centre in London, your care is consultant-led and tailored to your vision, lifestyle and goals. From first enquiry through consultation, diagnosis and treatment, we explain every step in plain language and agree a plan together. Our clinic at 22a Harley Street combines advanced diagnostics and modern laser/surgical technology with clear aftercare and long-term monitoring where needed (e.g., keratoconus, glaucoma, retina). Use the tabs to see what happens at each stage — from booking to recovery — and what to expect on the day. When you’re ready, book a consultation or call our team.
We’re here to listen first. Tell us what’s bothering you, how it affects your day, and what you’d like to achieve. Our team will guide you to the most suitable consultant and appointment type at Harley Street Eye Centre.
- Share your symptoms, history and goals
- Quick suitability check for key treatments
- Advice on records to bring (glasses Rx, letters, scans)
- Appointment scheduled at a convenient time
- Clear confirmation with directions and next steps
We’re excited to see you at your appointment. Ask us anything — about treatments, the clinic, timings or fees. Our goal is to help you regain your independence and live life free from visual limitations.
- Discuss your eye health goals and lifestyle needs
- Full eye examination by a consultant ophthalmologist
- Vision testing and treatment eligibility assessment
- Diagnostic scans if required (e.g., OCT, topography, biometry)
- Start a personalised treatment plan and timeline
After reviewing your results, your consultant explains the findings in plain language and outlines safe, evidence-based options. You’ll make an informed decision together.
- Clear explanation of your diagnosis and prognosis
- Side-by-side comparison of suitable treatments (incl. non-surgical)
- Benefits, risks and expected recovery times discussed
- Transparent pricing and payment options explainedWritten summary of the agreed plan
You’ll be welcomed by our clinical team, who will conduct final checks and ensure your comfort throughout. Most procedures are quick with minimal downtime.
- Arrival, consent review and last-minute questions answered
- Pre-op measurements confirmed; anaesthetic drops if needed
- Consultant-delivered procedure using modern technology
- Immediate post-op checks and tailored aftercare instructions
- Safe journey-home guidance and contact details for support
Good outcomes rely on good aftercare. We’ll review your progress, fine-tune any medications as needed, and be available to provide advice if you require it between visits.
- Scheduled follow-ups to monitor healing and vision
- Symptom checklist and when to get in touch
- Medication/use of drops reviewed and adjusted
- Activity guidance (work, driving, exercise, screen time)
- Direct access to our team for reassurance and queries