Glaucoma is a condition which affects more than half a million people in the United Kingdom. It is primarily caused when the eye fails to drain excess fluid, which then in turn leads to elevated pressure which damages the optic nerve. Although Glaucoma is irreversible, there is a new, fantastic treatment available that is able to stop or delay it from progressing and help to prevent the patient from going blind, which in turn has a huge impact on their quality of life.

Glaucoma usually develops as people get older, while high blood pressure, genetics and cardiovascular instability are also risk factors.

The most common type of glaucoma is primary open angle glaucoma, which is initially treated with eye drops. As the condition progresses, laser surgery can be used to widen the natural channels which drain fluid from the eye, although the benefits of this treatment can reduce over time.

In these cases, patients would need to have an artificial reservoir created to collect the excess fluid during traditional surgery, which can have a long recovery of up to four months and lead to side effects such as gritty eyes.

As our population continues to age, the number of people living with glaucoma is set to increase in the coming year. The introduction of the MINIject implant will allow us to offer these individuals safe, effective treatment which has a long-lasting effect and will help prevent their sight loss from progressing further.

The minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MiGS) allows ophthalmology surgeons to implant a tiny strip of sponge, called a MINIject implant, into the corner of the eye (known as the irido-corneal drainage angle). This soaks away the excess fluids that cause elevated eye (intra-ocular) pressure, in turn preventing further sight loss from glaucoma.

Surgery is very quick, it takes just 15 to 20 minutes to complete, with patients recovering quickly and able to return to driving and even swimming with a week.

To see whether the MINIject implant is suitable for you, please contact us to arrange a consultation.