• Glaucoma is the name given to a group of eye conditions that can cause permanent sight loss by damaging your optic nerve
• The most common type of surgical treatment for glaucoma is called trabeculectomy, which lowers the pressure in the eye

Glaucoma is the name given to a group of eye conditions that can cause permanent sight loss by damaging your optic nerve – the high-speed cable that sends information from the eye to the vision centres in the brain. It is usually caused by increased pressure within the eye.

Types of Treatment

For years, eye drops have been the primary way of managing age-related glaucoma and they often need to be used for life to prevent damage to your sight. However, only one in three people with glaucoma use their eye drops correctly, and in some cases, surgery will be required.

The most common type of surgical treatment for glaucoma is called trabeculectomy, which lowers the pressure in the eye. It involves removing part of the eye’s outer coating to allow fluid to drain more easily.

Laser treatment breakthrough

Laser treatment is an effective new option for patients who have open-angle glaucoma (the most common type) in the early stages. In this condition, internal eye pressure is increased by a gradual clogging of the eye’s drainage canal

A team at Moorfields Eye Hospital recently led the largest ever UK trial looking at new ways of treating glaucoma. It found that using a laser treatment (selective laser trabeculoplasty) early on could keep people with glaucoma off eye drops for many years and there was also a lower requirement for glaucoma surgery.

The laser treatment is available on an outpatient basis at Moorfields Private and takes approximately 15 minutes, meaning you will be able to return home on the same day after recovery and final checks. It is an option for patients who have early stage open-angle glaucoma. The effects of the procedure may wear off over time, but the treatment can be repeated if this happens.

Laser treatment is not suitable for everyone and the treatment recommended for you by your consultant will depend on the type of glaucoma you have.

World-leading glaucoma consultants

At Moorfields Private you have access to the largest team of specialist glaucoma consultants at any private hospital in Europe. Many are world-leading researchers and surgical pioneers, and all are experts at controlling the effects of glaucoma through innovative treatments and specialist clinical care

To make an appointment with a glaucoma specialist consultant, call our New Patient Enquiry team on or email

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