Published on 25 August 2026
What is glaucoma?
The term glaucoma is used to describe a variety of eye diseases which damage the optic nerve. Usually, it arises when an increase in fluid in the front of your eyes causes dangerous pressure.
This can destroy nerve fibres and if not treated can cause permanent vision loss or blindness. If you have glaucoma or are at risk of developing it, then regular eye examinations are essential. Remember it develops slowly with no early symptoms.
What are the different types of glaucoma treatment?
Treatments range from prescription eye drops to surgery.
- Eye drops are often the first treatment recommended and work by reducing the amount of fluid produced in the eye. They are also able to improve drainage of fluid from the eye
- Laser treatment can assist fluid to drain more effectively or reduce the production of fluid. A common treatment is Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)
- Surgery may be needed if eye drops and laser treatment do not control the glaucoma sufficiently. Different surgical approaches are used to allow effective fluid drainage
What are the benefits of laser treatment for glaucoma compared to surgery?
With Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty, a gentle low-energy laser beam is applied to the eye’s primary drainage area. A biochemical change is stimulated which helps fluid drain from the eye.
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty may be recommended as the technique is:
- Non-invasive
- Virtually painless
- The treatment time is usually about 10 minutes per eye
- Usually able to eliminate or delay the need for daily prescription drops
What are the risks and side effects of glaucoma laser treatment?
Laser eye procedures have a high success rate and are generally safe.
As with all medical procedures, laser eye treatments carry potential risks and side effects.
The most common side effects of Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty are:
- Short-lived elevation of intraocular pressure or mild inflammation, both of which are usually easily managed with eye drops
- It may not lower the eye pressure sufficiently in about 25% of patients, or its effect may diminish over time. However, the treatment can often be repeated
- Serious, vision-threatening complications are extremely rare
Can cataracts and glaucoma be treated at the same time?
You may be advised that if you have both conditions then treating cataracts and glaucoma at the same time could be beneficial.
Sometimes after cataract surgery pressure in the eye rises suddenly and this can be resolved with glaucoma treatment.
Also, having both treatments together is time saving and risk reducing.
Do you wish to discuss your eye health?
If you’re living with glaucoma, we can help. Take the first step to clearer vision by booking an initial consultation with our expert in glaucoma treatment, Mr Anastasios Lavaris. Call our Private Patient team on 01580 363158 or request a callback by completing our online enquiry form.