Glaucoma is the name for a group of eye conditions that cause damage to the optic nerve, which takes visual information from your eye to your brain. When fluid which is produced by the eye cannot drain away properly, the pressure in the eye is increased. This damage can affect your vision. There are various different types of glaucoma. Two of the most common are trabeculectomy (chronic) and deep sclerectomy (acute). You can find out more about glaucoma on the NHS website.

If your doctor or optician has seen some signs that could relate to glaucoma, they'll refer you to our team so we can examine your eyes.

We run specialist glaucoma clinics.

Chronic glaucoma

This is the most common form of glaucoma. The drainage channels become blocked over many years causing the eye pressure to rise very slowly. There is no pain to show there is a problem but vision will gradually deteriorate.

Treatment usually begins with eye drops which can reduce the amount of fluid produced in the eye or by opening up the drainage channels so that excess liquid can drain away.

If there is still a problem the next step is laser treatment or an operation to improve the drainage of fluids from the eye.

Acute glaucoma

This is less common and occurs when there is a sudden, more complete blockage to the draining of fluid from the eye. This can be quite painful and will cause permanent damage to sight if it is not treated properly.

Hospital treatment is needed straight away to reduce the pressure in the eye. Drugs will reduce the eye's production of fluid and help its drainage.

If treated early, an acute attack can be brought under control in a few hours and sight will start to return. Laser treatment or a small operation will relieve the obstruction allowing the fluid to drain away.

Patients are usually advised to have the same treatment on their other eye as the risk of it developing the same problem is high.