Introduction
At The Retina Clinic London, we provide a dedicated glaucoma service focused on early detection, detailed monitoring, and effective treatment to protect your vision. Our consultant ophthalmologists deliver personalised care using the most advanced diagnostic technology in a calm and supportive environment.
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a progressive condition in which the optic nerve is damaged, usually due to raised intraocular pressure (IOP). It is one of the most common causes of preventable sight loss worldwide.
Because glaucoma often develops silently, many patients do not notice symptoms until the disease is advanced. Early detection and careful monitoring are therefore essential.
Types of Glaucoma We Diagnose and Manage
- Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG): The most common form, usually slow to develop and symptomless in the early stages.
- Angle-Closure Glaucoma: Can occur suddenly (acute angle-closure) or gradually (chronic angle-closure); acute cases require urgent treatment.
- Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Optic nerve damage despite normal eye pressure.
- Secondary Glaucoma: Linked to other conditions such as uveitis, trauma, neovascularization or long-term steroid use.
- Ocular Hypertension & Glaucoma Suspects: Raised eye pressure or early changes without clear glaucoma; we focus on early detection and preventative monitoring in these cases.
How We Diagnose Glaucoma
At The Retina Clinic London, we provide one of the most comprehensive glaucoma diagnostic services available. Your consultation may include:
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): High-resolution scans of the optic nerve and retinal nerve fibre layer.
- OCT- Angiography (OCT-A): Is a non-invasive high-resolution imaging test that shows the blood flow in the blood vessels around the optic nerve head.
- Visual Field Testing: Detects subtle changes in peripheral vision.
- Tonometry & Corneal Thickness Measurement: Precise assessment of intraocular pressure.
- Anterior Segment Imaging: Detailed imaging of the front of the eye, drainage angle, and corneal structures.
- Gonioscopy Examination: Gold-standard technique to directly assess the eye’s drainage angle.
- Widefield Retinal Imaging: Baseline and follow-up imaging for accurate monitoring.
This multimodal approach allows us to detect glaucoma far earlier than is typically possible in standard care, ensuring protective action can begin promptly.
Treatment Options at The Retina Clinic London
Medical Therapy
Eye drops remain an important treatment for many glaucoma patients. At The Retina Clinic London:
- We tailor each drop regimen to the individual, considering lifestyle, tolerability, and stage of disease.
- We place strong emphasis on preventative care, monitoring patients with early signs of glaucoma before it would typically be diagnosed elsewhere.
- This proactive approach enables us to protect vision sooner, reducing the risk of long-term optic nerve damage.
Direct Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (Direct SLT)
We are among the first private clinics in the UK to offer Direct SLT, a next-generation, drop-free laser treatment for glaucoma.
- Comfortable – painless, non-contact procedure usually completed in minutes
- Comparable pressure reduction to conventional SLT and drops
- Minimal downtime – most patients resume normal activity the same day
Angle-Closure Glaucoma Treatment: YAG-Iridotomy
During this procedure a small hole is made in the iris (the coloured part of the eye) using a YAG laser, allowing fluid to flow more freely inside the eye. This helps to reduce intraocular pressure and prevent damage to the optic nerve.
Secondary Glaucoma – Neovascular Glaucoma
PRP (Panretinal Photocoagulation) for iris neovascularization is a laser treatment used to stop the growth of abnormal new blood vessels on the iris and other parts of the eye, combined with anti-VEGF injection for more effective and faster results.
Your Patient Journey
- Book a Consultation – No referral is required. All patients begin with a specialist-led consultation, including full diagnostic testing. Consultation fees start from £650.
- Specialist Examination – Comprehensive imaging, visual field analysis, anterior segment assessment, and gonioscopy examination.
- Personalised Plan – Your consultant will explain your results in clear detail and recommend the most appropriate treatment, whether Direct SLT or drops.
- Ongoing Monitoring – Every patient is followed up according to their individual needs, with care adjusted and personalised at each stage to ensure the best long-term outcomes.
Why Choose The Retina Clinic London for Glaucoma Care?
- Comprehensive Early Detection – Our advanced imaging and functional testing enable us to detect glaucoma earlier than standard care.
- Tailored Treatment – Every treatment plan is personalised, whether through precision-prescribed drops or innovative Direct SLT laser.
- Continuity of Care – All diagnostics, treatments, and follow-ups are carried out in-house, ensuring seamless, attentive care at every stage.
- Preventative Focus – We monitor glaucoma suspects and those at risk, offering protective strategies before sight is affected.
- Harley Street Excellence – Based in London’s premier medical district, we provide world-class care in a discreet, welcoming setting.