Glaucoma Laser Treatment in Surrey and Berkshire
Specialist Care from an Experienced Glaucoma Surgeon
If you are exploring glaucoma laser treatment in Surrey or Berkshire, early intervention can help protect your sight and reduce reliance on long-term eye drops.
Mr Sameer Trikha is an experienced glaucoma surgeon providing advanced glaucoma surgery and laser procedures tailored to the type and stage of your condition. Treatment plans are personalised, ensuring you receive the most appropriate and effective option for your eye health.
What Is Glaucoma Laser Treatment?
Glaucoma laser treatment is designed to lower intraocular pressure by improving the drainage of fluid from the eye. Reducing pressure helps protect the optic nerve and slow progression of glaucoma.
For many patients in Surrey and Berkshire, laser treatment can delay or reduce the need for daily medicated drops. In some cases, it is recommended as a first-line treatment depending on clinical suitability.
Laser procedures are typically quick, performed on an outpatient basis and do not require a hospital stay.
Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI)
Laser Peripheral Iridotomy is commonly used for patients with narrow drainage angles.
During LPI, a small opening is created in the iris using a precise laser. This allows fluid to circulate more freely within the eye, reducing pressure build-up and lowering the risk of acute angle-closure glaucoma.
This glaucoma laser treatment is usually completed within minutes and can significantly reduce the risk of sudden pressure spikes.
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty is a well-established glaucoma surgery alternative to long-term eye drops. It is recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence as a first-line treatment for suitable glaucoma patients.
SLT uses targeted laser energy to stimulate the trabecular meshwork – the eye’s natural drainage system. By enhancing fluid outflow, eye pressure is lowered in a controlled and gradual manner.
For many patients in Surrey and Berkshire, SLT provides effective pressure control without the daily burden of drops.
What Is SLT?
SLT is a quick and comfortable outpatient glaucoma laser treatment.
A precise laser beam is applied to the drainage angle of the eye. The procedure stimulates natural cellular activity, improving fluid drainage without causing structural damage.
The treatment itself usually takes only a few minutes per eye.
Why Might You Need SLT?
You may be advised to consider SLT if:
• Your eye pressure remains high despite using drops.
• You experience side effects from glaucoma medication.
• You prefer a treatment option that reduces long-term reliance on drops.
• SLT is recommended as an early treatment approach.
A full assessment with a glaucoma surgeon in Surrey or Berkshire will determine whether SLT is appropriate for you.
What Happens During the SLT Procedure?
On the day of treatment, anaesthetic drops are placed in your eye to ensure comfort. A specialised lens is gently positioned to focus the laser beam accurately.
The procedure is painless for most patients. You may notice brief flashes of light, but discomfort is minimal.
After treatment, you can usually return home the same day.
What Happens After SLT?
Your eye pressure will be monitored following the procedure to ensure it is responding as expected.
In some cases, the effect of SLT may take several weeks to reach its full benefit. Follow-up appointments in Surrey or Berkshire are essential to assess progress and determine whether further treatment is required.
What Are the Side Effects?
Glaucoma laser treatment is generally safe. Temporary side effects may include mild redness, light sensitivity or a slight rise in pressure shortly after the procedure.
Serious complications are uncommon, and risks are discussed fully during your consultation so you can make an informed decision about your glaucoma surgery options.
SLT is a quick and comfortable laser procedure that lowers eye pressure in glaucoma patients. It works by stimulating the trabecular meshwork, a drainage system in your eye, to allow better fluid flow.
You might need SLT if:
Your eye pressure is higher than desirable for your type of glaucoma.
You experience side effects from glaucoma eye drops.
You have difficulty managing regular eye drop application.
A special contact lens will be placed on your eye to keep your eyelids open. Numbing eye drops will ensure your comfort. You might hear clicking sounds from the laser, but the procedure is usually painless.
The procedure typically takes 3 to 5 minutes for each eye to do.
Some patients may feel slight pressure in the eye or a mild headache.
Your eye pressure will be checked about an hour after the treatment. You'll then have follow-up appointments to monitor eye pressure.
Continue using your prescribed eye drops unless advised otherwise by Mr. Trikha.
You can typically resume normal activities, including contact lens wear, the next day.
SLT is generally safe with minimal risks. However, it's important to be aware of potential side effects:
Temporary Pressure Increase: There's a small chance of a short-term rise in eye pressure after the procedure. Mr.Trikha may prescribe eye drops to manage this.
Mild Discomfort: You might experience some redness, blurry vision, or light sensitivity for a few hours or days.Sunglasses can help with this.
Rare Complications: Although very rare, complications like bleeding, retinal swelling, or corneal swelling can occur.
No Permanent Vision Loss: SLT has not been reported to cause permanent vision worsening, except in cases with pre-existing eye conditions affecting vision.
Expert Glaucoma Care in Surrey and Berkshire
As a dedicated glaucoma surgeon, Mr Trikha provides comprehensive assessment, laser treatment and surgical management across Surrey and Berkshire.
Your care plan is structured to protect your long-term vision while minimising disruption to your daily life. If you are considering glaucoma laser treatment or have concerns about rising eye pressure, early evaluation is essential.
Where to find us
The London Clinic Eye Centre
The Circle Hospital
23 Harley Street
