Glaucoma Treatment & Specialists in Birmingham
Our consultant ophthalmologists in Birmingham diagnose and treat glaucoma using eye pressure checks, imaging, and visual field tests.
GMC assured safety in the clinic and services
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of vision”. It’s a disease that causes progressive loss of the nerve fibres that carry visual information from the eye to the brain, and it’s often linked to raised pressure inside the eye.
Left untreated, it can lead to tunnel vision and, eventually, loss of sight. With timely glaucoma treatment, including eye drops, laser eye treatment for glaucoma, or surgery, we can help protect the vision you have.
There are two main types of glaucoma: Open-Angle or Simple Chronic Glaucoma, and Angle-Closure or Narrow-Angle Glaucoma. Your condition may also be categorised as ‘normal tension’ or ‘secondary’.
Open Angle Glaucoma
Open angle glaucoma is associated with getting older, especially if there is a family member with glaucoma.
It can have secondary causes including from certain medications, eye injury (even long in the past), eye inflammatory disease, diabetes and short-sightedness.
Closed Angle Glaucoma
Closed angle glaucoma occurs in older people, frequently alongside long-sightedness and cataracts. It can cause a sudden onset of a painful eye.
The earlier it is diagnosed and treated with a simple laser procedure, the less likely you are likely to have a closed angle glaucoma attack that can damage your vision. Regular eye checks are needed for six months following laser to ensure the treatment has been successful.
Normal-Tension Glaucoma
Secondary Glaucoma
Signs and Symptoms of Glaucoma
Open Angle Glaucoma Symptoms
- May have no symptoms
- Seeing worse in the dark than normal
Narrow Angle Glaucoma Symptoms
- Painful eye, especially at night
- Seeing worse in the dark than normal
- Haloes around lights
- Blurred vision
If you’ve noticed any of these signs, book an assessment with us.
You don’t need a referral to book a glaucoma assessment; you can contact us directly.
How we Diagnose Glaucoma
Diagnosing glaucoma usually involves a small number of tests.
If you have suspected glaucoma, you require a directed and comprehensive examination, usually over 2 visits to the ophthalmologist.
| Diagnostic test | Description |
|---|---|
| Eye pressure testing (tonometry) | Measures the pressure inside your eye. |
| Visual field testing | Checks for gaps or changes in your peripheral vision. |
| OCT scan | Imaging of the optic nerve, to look for early signs of damage. |
Services
GMC-Accredited Treatment For Complex Cases
Treating Open-Angle Glaucoma
Open-angle glaucoma is usually diagnosed during routine eye checks and is managed with long-term drops and drainage surgery.
Glaucoma is usually treated with eye drops. You may be offered tablets to lower the intraocular pressure. We often recommend a laser eye treatment for glaucoma.
If these methods do not completely control the eye pressure, we also offer surgery to help the eye drain.
Treating Angle-Closure Glaucoma
Angle-closure glaucoma, or narrow-angle glaucoma, needs urgent treatment with drops or pills, and an emergency laser procedure to make a hole in the iris and allow fluid to drain from the eye properly.
If drainage surgery is required, we usually refer our patients to our glaucoma surgical team for the most modern and effective surgery to treat the eye pressure.
All our consultant ophthalmologists at Edgbaston Eye Consultants are trained to manage patients with glaucoma.
Testimonials
What People Are Saying
Testimonials
What People Are Saying
Mr Masood was excellent as was Mr Williams during my initial consultation. Both were clear about treatment options, potential risks and expected outcomes. Surgery was stress free as any worries or concerns were cleared prior to surgery. Everyone did their utmost to ensure that you felt comfortable throughout the whole process.
Mr Masood was excellent as was Mr Williams during my initial consultation. Both were clear about treatment options, potential risks and expected outcomes. Surgery was stress free as any worries or concerns were cleared prior to surgery. Everyone did their utmost to ensure that you felt comfortable throughout the whole process.
Really pleased with the outcome of my procedure. and the attention and work of Professor Scott. I will always recommend him. He is a brilliant man and very caring.
Prof. Scott explained the injury and that it was worse than first thought. At this present time this has left me partially sighted in my right eye. Unsure as to what the future outcome will be. Professional and courteous at all times. Hospital facilities superb.
This was no nowhere near as traumatic an experience as I was expecting. Everyone who looked after me was exceedingly kind and considerate. I would like to say a special word of thanks to reception, especially Hawa. People arrive for eye surgery very apprehensive and nervous. The staff in Reception are cheerful, reassuring, helpful and kind.
I am thrilled with the treatment carried out on my eye by Rob and his team - just not happy fully with the outcome as not what I expected but that is in no way reflective of treatment received here.
Laser Eye Treatment for Glaucoma
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)
YAG Laser Iridotomy
We are an ambulatory care unit, and you will be able to return home after the procedure. You’ll receive clear instructions on what to avoid after your procedure and any side effects.
About Edgbaston Eye Consultants
Edgbaston Eye Consultants is a consultant-owned eye clinic. Our glaucoma specialists diagnose and manage glaucoma alongside a wide range of eye conditions, with the aim of helping you see better, live better and feel confident about your eye health at every stage of life.
You can access flexible appointments and consultations, including Saturday clinics and online options for the most convenient care.
We are CQC-registered, and many of our consultants also work within the NHS alongside treating patients privately at our George Road clinic in Birmingham.
Meet Your Glaucoma Team
Imran Masood
Peter Shah
Cost of Glaucoma Treatment
Some glaucoma treatments can be combined with cataract surgery as needed.
Your Procedure
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Assessments
We’ll assess with tests such as pressure checks, visual field testing, and OCT imaging, before offering a diagnosis and a treatment plan.
Your consultant will explain their findings and make recommendations for treatment.
Prescriptions
If you are offered drops or tablets to treat your glaucoma, you will receive a prescription that you can collect from your chosen pharmacy.
Your consultant will explain how to take the medicine and any side effects to consider.
Laser or Surgery
If laser eye treatment or glaucoma surgery are recommended, your consultant will explain the process clearly and answer any questions. Typically these treatments are conducted in less than thirty minutes, with a local anaesthetic.
Finding Us
Address:
22 George Road
Edgbaston
Birmingham
B15 1PJ
Phone: 0121 314 4490
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral?
Is glaucoma treatment painful?
Can glaucoma be cured?
How often will I need check-ups?
