MicroPulse cyclophotocoagulation for glaucoma

MicroPulse cyclophotocoagulation (MicroPulse transscleral laser therapy, MP-TLT) is a non-incisional laser treatment that lowers eye pressure in glaucoma by gently reducing how much fluid the eye produces. The Cyclo G6 laser delivers energy in short on-off "micropulses" through the white of the eye, which is gentler than older continuous laser. It takes only a few minutes per eye, needs no cut or stitch, and can be repeated. At our partner clinics it starts from £2,000 per eye.

What is MicroPulse cyclophotocoagulation?

Glaucoma damages the optic nerve, usually because the pressure inside the eye is too high. That pressure is set by a balance between fluid (aqueous humour) made by the ciliary body and fluid draining away. Cyclophotocoagulation works on the production side: a laser is applied over the ciliary body to calm it down, so the eye makes a little less fluid and the pressure falls.

The MicroPulse approach chops the laser into rapid pulses with rest gaps in between. This lets the tissue cool between pulses, treating the ciliary body more gently than traditional continuous cyclophotocoagulation. The result is effective pressure-lowering with a lower risk of the inflammation and side effects associated with the older technique — so it can be considered across a wider range of glaucoma, not only advanced cases.

Who is it for?

• Glaucoma not controlled by drops alone, or where drops are poorly tolerated
• Patients who want to reduce their reliance on glaucoma drops
• Eyes unsuitable for, or that have already had, incisional or MIGS surgery
• People who prefer a quick, non-incisional day-case option

It is suitable for many types of glaucoma. Your consultant confirms whether MP-TLT is right for you after reviewing your pressures, optic nerve and visual fields.

How it compares to other glaucoma treatments

MicroPulse laser is one of several ways to lower eye pressure. It is often chosen as a non-incisional step before or alongside surgery.

For more involved disease, options include trabeculectomy. Your surgeon will explain where MicroPulse laser fits in your personal treatment plan — see our overview of glaucoma treatment.

What happens during the procedure

MicroPulse cyclophotocoagulation is performed under local anaesthetic as a day case. You stay awake, and the laser itself takes only a few minutes per eye.

1. The eye is numbed with a local anaesthetic injection around the eye (sub-Tenon or peribulbar block).
2. You lie back comfortably while the surgeon places the MicroPulse P3 probe against the white of the eye, just outside the coloured iris.
3. The Cyclo G6 laser is swept smoothly over the treatment zone, delivering energy in rapid on-off pulses to the ciliary body beneath.
4. The probe is moved across the upper and lower halves of the eye for a set time — typically a few minutes in total.
5. The eye is rinsed and a drop or ointment applied. There is no incision and no stitch.

Recovery week-by-week

Recovery is usually straightforward. The eye is a little red and sore at first, and the pressure-lowering effect builds over the following weeks.

MicroPulse laser cost

Our prices are all-inclusive: consultation, the laser treatment and theatre fee, post-op drops and follow-up reviews — with no hidden extras.

• Self-pay: from £2,000 per eye, all-inclusive.
• Insurance: recognised by major insurers for medically indicated treatment; we help with authorisation.
• Finance: 0% options available — ask our team for a personalised quote.

Compare the full range of glaucoma treatment prices on our glaucoma surgery cost guide and glaucoma prices page.

Frequently asked questions