Overview
Glaucoma is often referred to as the “silent thief of sight.” It is a complex group of eye conditions that cause progressive, irreversible damage to the optic nerve—the vital cable that transmits visual information from the eye to the brain. This damage is most frequently, though not always, associated with an abnormally high fluid pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure).
Because the most common forms of glaucoma develop very slowly and initially affect only the extreme peripheral vision, patients are often entirely unaware they have the condition until significant, permanent vision loss has already occurred. Mr Arthur Okonkwo, a highly experienced Consultant Ophthalmologist based in Leeds, provides comprehensive screening, early diagnosis, and expert management of glaucoma. Early detection is the single most critical factor in treating this condition.
Once optic nerve tissue is lost, it cannot be restored. However, with timely intervention and strict management, the progression of the disease can almost always be halted or significantly slowed, allowing patients to maintain excellent functional vision for the rest of their lives. Treatment strategies focus entirely on lowering the intraocular pressure to a safe target level, thereby relieving the mechanical stress on the delicate optic nerve. Depending on the specific type and severity of your glaucoma, Mr Okonkwo may prescribe a regimen of specialised daily eye drops to reduce fluid production or increase drainage or if you are a candidate for drop free treatment advanced laser therapies (such as Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty or SLT) may be performed.
Key Benefits
- Prevents irreversible vision loss
- Highly precise diagnostics
- Personalised target pressures
- Advanced laser options
- Comprehensive long-term care
- Expert Consultant care
Conditions Treated
- Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG)
- Normal-Tension Glaucoma
- Ocular Hypertension (High pressure without damage)
- Narrow-Angle / Angle-Closure Glaucoma
- Pseudoexfoliation Glaucoma
- Pigmentary Glaucoma
What to Expect
1
Comprehensive Consultation
A detailed discussion of your general health, family history of glaucoma, and any visual symptoms.
2
Advanced Diagnostic Assessment
You will undergo intraocular pressure testing, visual field testing and optical coherence tomography (OCT) of your optic nerve (all painless tests).
3
Treatment Planning
Based on the comprehensive test results, Mr Okonkwo will determine your "target pressure"—the specific eye pressure level needed to prevent further damage.
4
Medical or Laser Therapy
Treatment usually begins with the prescription of daily eye drops or laser therapy can be booked.
5
Immediate Aftercare
If you undergo an SLT laser procedure, you will be able to go home the same day.
6
Long-Term Monitoring
Glaucoma requires lifelong management.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the symptoms of glaucoma?
In its most common form (Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma), there are typically absolutely no symptoms in the early to moderate stages. The condition is completely painless, and the loss of peripheral vision occurs so slowly that the brain compensates for it. By the time a patient actually notices that their vision is restricted or “tunnelled,” severe and irreversible damage has already occurred. This is why routine screening is so critical.
Can glaucoma be cured?
Currently, there is no cure for glaucoma, and any vision that has already been lost to optic nerve damage cannot be restored. However, the condition is highly manageable. With early diagnosis, strict adherence to prescribed treatments (drops, laser, or surgery), and regular monitoring by Mr Okonkwo, the vast majority of patients will retain excellent functional vision for their entire lives.
What is SLT (Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty)?
SLT is a highly advanced, gentle laser treatment used to lower intraocular pressure. The laser is applied to the trabecular meshwork (the eye’s natural drainage system) to stimulate a biochemical response that improves the outflow of fluid. It is a painless outpatient procedure that takes only a few minutes. SLT is often used as a first-line treatment instead of eye drops, or as an additional therapy if drops are not lowering the pressure sufficiently.
Am I at risk of developing glaucoma?
Anyone can develop glaucoma, but certain factors significantly increase your risk. These include being over the age of 40, having a direct family history of the condition (parent or sibling), being of African, Caribbean, or Asian descent, having high intraocular pressure, being highly short-sighted or long-sighted, or having a history of eye trauma or prolonged steroid use.
Will I have to use eye drops for the rest of my life?
If eye drops are prescribed to manage your glaucoma, it is highly likely you will need to use them every single day for the rest of your life to keep the pressure safely controlled. It is absolutely vital that you do not stop taking your drops, even if your vision feels fine. If managing daily drops is difficult or causing severe dry eye side effects, Mr Okonkwo can discuss alternative options, such as SLT laser therapy.
Quick Info
Duration
Initial diagnostic screening appointments are thorough and may take up to 90 minutes to complete all necessary imaging and visual field tests.
Recovery
There is no recovery time required for diagnostic testing or starting eye drops. If SLT laser is performed, normal activities can resume immediately.
Specialist Care
All treatment and long-term monitoring are strictly Consultant-led, ensuring expert interpretation of complex diagnostic scans.
Ready to Get Started?
Book a consultation to discuss your symptoms and treatment options.
Ready to Discuss Your Vision?
If you are over 40, have a family history of glaucoma, or have been advised that your eye pressure is high, early screening is vital. Book a comprehensive consultation to assess your optic nerve health and protect your long-term vision.