Glaucoma care at Ascend Eye Clinic combines diagnostic technology with a broad range of eyedrops, laser treatments and surgical procedures. Each treatment plan is tailored to control eye pressure, protect the optic nerve and prevent long-term vision loss.
Glaucoma is a condition that causes progressive damage to the optic nerve, often associated with increased pressure inside the eye. In many cases, glaucoma develops without noticeable symptoms, which is why regular eye examinations are important for early detection. Some patients experience mild eye discomfort or a sensation of pressure around the eyes, while more advanced disease can lead to gradual peripheral vision loss.
Acute glaucoma presents differently and causes a sudden rise in eye pressure, requiring urgent and immediate treatment. Symptoms include:
Learn more about glaucoma, including its types and causes here.
Surgical treatment for glaucoma aims to lower eye pressure by improving the drainage of aqueous humour from the eye. We will carefully assess the type and severity of glaucoma, the level of eye pressure and the health of the optic nerve before recommending a personalised treatment plan.
Laser procedures can improve fluid drainage from the eye or reduce the production of fluid to help lower eye pressure. Glaucoma laser treatments options include Selective Laser Trabeculectomy, Laser Peripheral Iridotomy, and Transscleral Cytophotocoagulation.
In Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery, small metal-based implants are used to improve the natural drainage of fluid in the eye while causing less disruption to surrounding tissues than conventional glaucoma surgery. This allows the pressure to be reduced. Common MIGS implants used are the iStent Inject W and the Hydrus Microstent.
A trabeculectomy becomes necessary for glaucoma that requires a greeted reduction in eye pressure. This procedure creates a new drainage pathway that allows the aqueous humour to leave the eye and collect in a small filtering bleb beneath the conjunctiva, helping to lower eye pressure. It is commonly used when medications, laser treatment or less invasive glaucoma procedures do not provide sufficient pressure control.
Glaucoma drainage tube surgery is used for difficult-to-control glaucoma, particularly when previous glaucoma surgery has not achieved sufficient pressure reduction or when a trabeculectomy is less suitable. A small tube is placed inside the eye and connected to a plate positioned beneath the conjunctiva, allowing the aqueous humour to drain into the surrounding tissues where it is absorbed.
From your initial consultation to treatment and follow-up care, our team will guide you through every stage of your journey. We will take the time to explain your condition, answer your questions and help you feel informed and supported throughout your care.
Your consultation begins with a detailed assessment of your vision and eye health. Depending on your condition, this may include measurements of your vision and eye pressure, examination of the front and back of the eye, and advanced diagnostic imaging.
Our team will guide you through each test and explain what is being assessed. Your results will then be carefully reviewed to understand your individual needs and determine whether monitoring or treatment may be recommended.
Every eye and every patient is different. Your treatment plan will be tailored according to your examination findings, visual needs, general health and lifestyle.
We will explain the recommended treatment, its expected benefits, possible risks and any suitable alternatives in a clear and straightforward manner. You will have time to ask questions and consider your options before deciding how you would like to proceed.
Before your treatment, our team will guide you through the necessary preparations, paperwork and medication instructions. Where applicable, we will explain how to use your prescribed eye drops and how to care for your eyes afterwards.
We understand that undergoing a procedure can feel unfamiliar or worrying. Our team will be available to answer your questions and ensure that you know what to expect before the day of your treatment.
On the day of your procedure, you will arrive at the hospital or surgical centre where your operation has been scheduled. The surgical team will help you prepare and explain what will happen at each stage.
Anaesthetic eye drops or other forms of anaesthesia may be used, depending on the procedure, to keep you comfortable. Your doctor and the surgical team will support and reassure you throughout the operation.
Most eye surgeries are performed as day procedures, although the duration and recovery process will depend on the treatment you receive. Your vision may be temporarily blurred afterwards, so you should arrange for someone to accompany you home and should not drive unless your doctor has advised that it is safe to do so.
We will provide clear instructions on how to care for your eyes, use any prescribed medication and manage your activities during recovery. We will also explain which symptoms are expected and when you should contact the clinic for further advice.
Follow-up appointments allow us to monitor your vision, assess your recovery and identify any concerns at an early stage. Our team remains accessible should you have any questions or concerns throughout your recovery.
Glaucoma treatment varies depending on the type of glaucoma, eye pressure, existing optic nerve damage and previous treatments. At Ascend Eye Clinic, we offer laser procedures, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, and conventional glaucoma surgery to provide different levels of eye-pressure control.
Book a consultation for a detailed glaucoma assessment and a personalised discussion of the treatment options suited to your eyes.
A procedure is recommended when your eye pressure needs to be lowered further to protect the optic nerve and preserve your remaining vision. We consider how well your current treatment is controlling the pressure, whether the glaucoma is progressing and how much further pressure reduction is needed.
We assess your eye pressure, the severity of the glaucoma, previous treatments and the overall condition of the eye. Treatment ranges from laser procedures to surgery, and we recommend the approach that provides the level of pressure control your eye needs.
Glaucoma treatment is primarily performed to protect the vision you still have. Damage to the optic nerve cannot be reversed, so treatment focuses on lowering eye pressure and preventing or slowing further vision loss.
Anaesthesia is used to keep the eye comfortable during treatment. Laser procedures are performed with anaesthetic eye drops, while surgery is performed with local anaesthesia and sedation. Some soreness, irritation or a gritty sensation is expected during recovery from surgery.
Yes. Most glaucoma procedures are performed while you are awake. For surgery, local anaesthesia and sedation keep you relaxed and comfortable throughout the operation.
The duration depends on the treatment being performed. Laser treatment is relatively brief, while surgery takes longer because a new pathway for fluid drainage needs to be created or implanted.
Glaucoma procedures are generally performed as day procedures. After surgery, you will be monitored for a period before returning home. An overnight stay is not required unless there is a specific medical reason.
Vision can be blurred temporarily after treatment. After surgery, this can last longer while inflammation settles and the eye pressure stabilises. Vision gradually clears as the eye heals.
Recovery depends on the treatment performed. Recovery from laser treatment is relatively quick, while surgical procedures require several weeks for the eye to settle. We will monitor your healing and advise when you can return to your normal activities.
This depends on the eye pressure achieved after treatment. Some patients require fewer pressure-lowering drops afterwards, while others continue using medication to maintain adequate pressure control. We will adjust your treatment according to your postoperative eye pressure.
We check your eye pressure closely after treatment and continue monitoring the optic nerve and visual field over time. These examinations show whether the pressure has reached the level needed to keep the glaucoma stable.
After surgery, avoid rubbing the eye, swimming, strenuous exercise and heavy lifting while the eye heals. Keep water, dust and other contaminants away from the eye during the early recovery period. We will provide clear instructions based on the treatment performed.
All glaucoma procedures carry some risk. These include inflammation, bleeding, infection, changes in eye pressure and the need for further treatment. Surgical procedures also carry risks related to the new drainage pathway. We will discuss the risks relevant to your planned treatment before proceeding.
Yes. The effect of treatment can change over time as the eye heals or the glaucoma progresses. Regular follow-up allows us to identify changes in pressure early and adjust treatment when necessary.
Yes. Glaucoma requires lifelong monitoring even after successful treatment. We continue checking your eye pressure, optic nerve and visual field to make sure the condition remains stable and your remaining vision is protected.
