Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, often linked to raised pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure). It can develop gradually with no early symptoms, which is why regular eye checks are important.

What are the early warning signs of glaucoma?

Open-angle glaucoma often has no noticeable symptoms at first and may cause gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision. Angle-closure glaucoma can cause sudden symptoms such as severe eye pain, headache, blurred vision, halos around lights, and nausea—this is an emergency and needs urgent treatment.

Who is most at risk of glaucoma?

Risk factors can include increasing age, family history of glaucoma, raised eye pressure, certain ethnic backgrounds, short-sightedness or long-sightedness (depending on type), diabetes, and previous eye injury or surgery. An assessment can help determine your individual risk.

How is glaucoma diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves measuring eye pressure, assessing the optic nerve, checking peripheral vision (visual field test), and scanning the optic nerve/retina (e.g., OCT). These tests help confirm glaucoma and guide treatment planning.

What glaucoma treatments are available?

Treatment options commonly include prescription eye drops, laser procedures (such as selective laser trabeculoplasty), and glaucoma surgery to improve fluid drainage and lower eye pressure. Your clinician will recommend the most suitable option based on glaucoma type and severity.

When is laser treatment used for glaucoma?

Laser treatment may be recommended when eye drops are not suitable, not effective enough, or to reduce dependence on drops. It can also be used earlier for some patients depending on clinical findings and lifestyle preferences.

What happens at a glaucoma consultation?

A glaucoma consultation usually includes detailed eye pressure measurements, optic nerve assessment, retinal/optic nerve scans, and a visual field test where appropriate. You’ll receive a diagnosis (or risk assessment), treatment options, and a personalised management plan with follow-up recommendations.

How quickly does glaucoma progress?

Progression varies widely. Some people have slow changes over many years, while others can progress faster. Early diagnosis, consistent treatment, and regular monitoring are key to preserving vision.

Do I need ongoing follow-up after glaucoma treatment?

Yes. Glaucoma typically requires long-term monitoring to ensure eye pressure remains controlled and the optic nerve is stable. Follow-up frequency depends on your glaucoma type, risk level, and response to treatment.

Is glaucoma treatment painful or will I need time off work?

Most glaucoma tests and treatments are well tolerated. Eye drops are used daily at home; laser procedures are usually performed as outpatient treatments with minimal downtime; surgical recovery varies. Your clinician will advise what to expect for your specific treatment plan.

How do I book a glaucoma assessment at Eye Surgery Clinic?

You can book a glaucoma assessment by visiting https://www.eyesurgeryclinic.co.uk/treatments/glaucoma and following the booking/enquiry options for an appointment. If you have sudden symptoms such as severe eye pain or rapid vision changes, seek urgent medical help.

Private Glaucoma Care in the UK: Assessment & Treatment

Q: Can glaucoma be cured?

Glaucoma-related vision loss is usually irreversible, but treatment can slow or stop further damage in many cases. The aim is to reduce eye pressure and protect the optic nerve through ongoing management and monitoring.

If you’re worried about glaucoma or have raised eye pressure, we provide private glaucoma assessments and treatment planning in the UK. Book an appointment for clear answers, practical options, and a personalised next-step plan.

Comprehensive glaucoma assessment: eye pressure, optic nerve, and visual field testing
Treatment pathways explained clearly: drops, laser, and surgery where appropriate
Fast appointments and ongoing monitoring to help protect long-term vision

Book a glaucoma appointment Learn about glaucoma

If you have sudden severe eye pain, sudden loss of vision, or halos with nausea, seek urgent care (A&E/111) — this page is for non-emergency private appointments.

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve — the “cable” connecting your eye to your brain. This damage is often linked to raised intraocular pressure (IOP), but glaucoma can also occur with pressures in the normal range. Without timely diagnosis and treatment, glaucoma can cause permanent loss of peripheral (side) vision and, in advanced cases, central vision.

In the UK, glaucoma is commonly detected during routine optician appointments, NHS hospital eye clinics, or private assessments. If you have been told you have raised eye pressure, suspected glaucoma, or optic nerve changes, a structured glaucoma assessment helps confirm the diagnosis and decide the safest plan.

Key point

Glaucoma damage cannot usually be reversed, but in many cases it can be slowed or prevented from worsening with the right treatment and monitoring schedule.

Common glaucoma types

Primary open-angle glaucoma — the most common type; typically develops slowly and painlessly.
Ocular hypertension — raised eye pressure without confirmed optic nerve/field damage; still needs risk assessment and monitoring.
Normal-tension glaucoma — optic nerve damage despite “normal” IOP; treatment still focuses on lowering pressure.
Angle-closure glaucoma — can be chronic or sudden; acute angle closure is an emergency.
Secondary glaucoma — related to another cause (e.g., inflammation, trauma, steroids, pigment dispersion, pseudoexfoliation).

When to seek urgent help

Call 111 or attend A&E urgently if you have:

Sudden severe eye pain or headache
Sudden blurred vision or rapid loss of vision
Halos around lights with nausea/vomiting
A red, hard eye with a fixed mid-dilated pupil

These symptoms may suggest acute angle-closure glaucoma, which requires emergency treatment.

Higher-risk groups in the UK

Age 40+ (risk increases with age)
Family history of glaucoma
Black Caribbean, Black African, or Asian heritage
High myopia (short-sight) or significant long-sight
Diabetes, vascular conditions, sleep apnoea (in some cases)
Long-term steroid use (tablets, inhalers, creams near the eyes, or eye drops)

If you fall into a higher-risk group, it is sensible to arrange regular eye checks and consider a glaucoma review if any results are borderline.

Glaucoma assessment: what happens at your appointment

A glaucoma appointment is designed to confirm whether glaucoma is present, understand your individual risk, and agree a treatment and monitoring plan. If you are attending after an optician referral, bring any letters or printouts so we can compare results.

Typical tests

Intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement
Optic nerve assessment (disc evaluation)
OCT scan (retinal nerve fibre layer / optic nerve head imaging)
Visual field test to check peripheral vision
Gonioscopy (angle assessment where appropriate)
Corneal thickness (pachymetry) to refine pressure interpretation

Not every test is required for every patient; we tailor investigations to your presentation and prior results.

Before you come

Bring your current glasses and any eye drops
Note any family history of glaucoma
List regular medicines (including inhalers and steroid creams)
If you drive, consider arranging transport: your pupils may be dilated

Time: Allow around 60–90 minutes for a comprehensive glaucoma review, depending on which tests are needed.

What you’ll leave with

A clear explanation of your results
Your diagnosis (or whether it remains “suspected”)
Target eye pressure (where relevant)
Options for drops, laser, or surgery (if appropriate)
A monitoring plan and when to return

Book a private glaucoma consultation

If you have been advised to see a glaucoma specialist, or you’re concerned about changes in your sight, a prompt assessment can be reassuring and helps prevent avoidable delay.

Complete the booking form

Glaucoma symptoms

Many people with open-angle glaucoma have no early symptoms. This is why testing and monitoring are vital if you have raised eye pressure or risk factors.

Gradual loss of side vision
Difficulty seeing in low light
Bumping into objects on one side
Later: reduced central vision

What “suspected glaucoma” can mean

You may be monitored as a suspect if there are borderline findings such as higher IOP, a suspicious optic disc appearance, or subtle OCT changes. Follow-up testing helps confirm whether changes are stable or progressive.

If you wear glasses or contact lenses

Glaucoma is not caused by wearing glasses or contact lenses, but short-sight and long-sight can affect glaucoma risk in different ways. Your prescription and corneal thickness can also influence how we interpret eye pressure readings.

Glaucoma treatment options (drops, laser, surgery)

Glaucoma treatment aims to lower eye pressure to a level that reduces the risk of further optic nerve damage. Your plan depends on the type of glaucoma, severity, rate of change, your eye anatomy, and tolerance of treatments.

1) Eye drops

Drops are often first-line for open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. They may reduce fluid production or help fluid drain more effectively.

Can be highly effective when used consistently
Side effects vary (redness, stinging, dry eye, allergy, systemic effects in some people)
Technique and timing matter — we can advise on best practice

Tip: If you struggle with drops, tell us. There may be alternatives (different drops, preservative-free options, laser, or surgical pathways depending on your case).

2) Laser treatment

Laser options can reduce pressure and may be suitable before, alongside, or instead of drops in selected patients.

Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) for open-angle glaucoma/ocular hypertension (where appropriate)
Peripheral iridotomy for narrow angles/angle closure risk (case-dependent)
Usually performed as a day-case procedure

We will explain whether laser is suitable for your anatomy and diagnosis and what outcomes to realistically expect.

3) Glaucoma surgery

Surgery may be considered if pressure remains too high despite drops/laser, if progression is documented, or if drops are not tolerated. The aim is to create a new drainage route or enhance existing drainage pathways.

Procedures may include traditional filtration surgery or other surgical approaches depending on your case
Often requires closer follow-up in the early post-operative period
Every surgical option has benefits and risks — we discuss these in detail

How we choose the right pathway

Risk level: ocular hypertension vs confirmed glaucoma
Severity: early, moderate, advanced disease
Rate of change: stable vs progressing visual fields/OCT
Target pressure: individualised to protect your optic nerve
Lifestyle: drop adherence, dexterity, work/shift patterns

Why choose a private glaucoma clinic?

Glaucoma care is about consistency: accurate testing, results you can understand, and a schedule that fits the clinical need. Private appointments can be helpful if you want timely assessment, continuity, or a second opinion.

Faster clarity

If you’ve been told your pressures are high or your scans look suspicious, a prompt glaucoma review can confirm whether you need treatment now or careful monitoring.

Continuity and explanation

You’ll receive a structured explanation of your OCT and field tests, plus a written plan you can share with your optician or GP if needed.

Treatment choices

Where suitable, we discuss the pros/cons of drops, laser and surgical options based on your diagnosis, anatomy, and lifestyle — not a one-size-fits-all approach.

Already under the NHS? Many patients use private care for faster assessment or a second opinion while continuing NHS follow-up. We can provide a summary letter of findings for your records.

Glaucoma at a glance: diagnosis and monitoring

Because glaucoma is usually chronic, the key is building a monitoring rhythm that catches change early. The table below summarises what we look at and why it matters.

Test / measure	What it tells us	Why it matters
Eye pressure (IOP)	The pressure inside the eye	A modifiable risk factor — most treatments aim to reduce IOP
OCT scan	Structural measurement of nerve fibre layers	Can detect early change and support diagnosis/monitoring
Visual fields	Functional test of peripheral vision	Shows whether glaucoma is affecting vision and if it is progressing
Angle assessment	How open the drainage angle is	Helps identify angle closure risk and guides laser decisions
Corneal thickness	Thickness affects pressure readings and risk interpretation	Helps refine target pressure and the meaning of borderline IOP

Typical follow-up cadence (individualised)

Baseline testing: pressure + OCT + visual fields to establish a reliable starting point.
Early review: confirm stability and drop/laser response if treatment starts.
Ongoing monitoring: frequency depends on risk and severity (more often if advanced or progressing).
Plan adjustments: treatment changes if target pressure is not met or if progression is detected.

Costs and what’s included

Private glaucoma care varies depending on which tests are required and whether treatment is recommended. We aim to be transparent about what your appointment includes and what further care might involve.

Consultation with an experienced clinician
Recommended diagnostic testing (based on clinical need)
Clear written summary of findings and next steps
Discussion of treatment options, benefits and risks

For an accurate quote, submit the booking form with any available information (optician letter, recent pressures, OCT results). Our team will confirm what tests are likely to be needed.

Common questions about fees

Do you offer fixed packages?

We can often outline what’s likely to be required after reviewing your referral information. The exact testing is tailored, as not everyone needs the same investigations at every visit.

Can I use private health insurance?

Some insurers may contribute towards consultations and tests, depending on your policy and authorisation. Please check with your provider before booking.

What if I only need monitoring?

Many patients have ocular hypertension or suspected glaucoma and require careful monitoring rather than immediate treatment. We’ll recommend an evidence-based review interval.

Glaucoma FAQs

Can glaucoma be cured?

Glaucoma is usually a long-term condition. Treatment aims to lower eye pressure and reduce the chance of further damage. Existing optic nerve damage is typically not reversible, which is why early diagnosis is important.

If I have high eye pressure, do I definitely have glaucoma?

Not always. Raised IOP can be ocular hypertension without glaucoma damage. A full assessment (optic nerve, OCT, and visual fields) helps determine your true risk and whether treatment is advisable.

Will glaucoma affect my driving in the UK?

Glaucoma can affect peripheral vision, which may impact driving standards. Requirements depend on your visual field results and individual circumstances. If you’re concerned, ask at your appointment — we can explain how your test results relate to driving.

Are glaucoma drops safe long term?

Many people use glaucoma drops safely for years. Some develop dry eye, redness, allergy, or sensitivity to preservatives. If symptoms occur, there may be alternative drops, preservative-free options, or laser pathways depending on suitability.

Do I need surgery for glaucoma?

Not necessarily. Many patients are managed with drops or laser. Surgery is considered when pressure targets are not met or if progression is detected, balanced against the risks and your overall eye health.

How often will I need follow-up appointments?

Follow-up depends on your diagnosis and stability. Higher-risk or progressing cases are reviewed more frequently, while stable ocular hypertension may be monitored at longer intervals. We’ll recommend a schedule tailored to your results.

Schedule your glaucoma appointment

Complete the form and our team will contact you to confirm availability and the most suitable appointment type (assessment, monitoring, or treatment planning). If you have an optician referral letter, mention it in the notes.

Best for: raised eye pressure, suspected glaucoma, second opinion, or ongoing monitoring
We’ll advise what tests to expect and how long to allow
We can provide a written summary for your records

Prefer to read first? Jump to treatment options or what to expect at assessment.

First name

Surname

Telephone

Postcode

Treatment

Notes (optional)

Review treatment options

By submitting this form you agree to be contacted about your enquiry. If your symptoms are severe or sudden, please seek urgent NHS care.

Concerned about glaucoma? Get a clear plan.

Whether you’ve been told you have raised eye pressure, suspected glaucoma, or you want a second opinion, a thorough assessment can help protect your sight and reduce uncertainty.

Book now What happens at assessment

Helpful to include in your message

Recent eye pressure readings (if known)
Any OCT or visual field results
Current drops and any side effects
Family history of glaucoma

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Updated on 13 Mar 2026