Eye Conditions

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a progressive eye condition that can cause irreversible loss of sight, due to damage to the optic nerve (the nerve of the eye). It is a common eye condition, affecting roughly 1 in 50 people over the age of 40 in the UK, and 1 in 10 people over 75. It is the second leading cause of blindness in the UK: however, many of those affected (roughly half) are unaware of their condition. High eye pressure is an important risk factor for glaucoma.

Early diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma, and regular ongoing monitoring, are important to ensure that it remains controlled. We aim to support you to preserve vision. Treatments for glaucoma may include glaucoma eye drops, laser, or glaucoma surgery, as necessary.

We are able to offer a range of up to date treatment options tailored to your specific situation and need. These include:

  • Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT): this is a gentle and safe laser procedure carried out in clinic that usually delays or avoids the need for eye drops and reduces the likelihood of glaucoma progression.

  • Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) procedures such as the Hydrus microstent, iStent inject, OMNI Surgical System, Preserflo Microshunt

  • Traditional gold-standard surgeries such as trabeculectomy and glaucoma drainage (tube) surgeries.

Cataract

Cataracts occur when there is clouding and thickening of the natural lens within the eye and can result in blurred vision. Usually cataracts are the result of normal ageing process, but they can occur earlier on after medication use, inflammation or eye injury. Cataracts may result in you needing to update glasses more frequently, experience difficulty in day to day tasks such as reading or driving, or notice “glare” where lights in low lighting environments are dazzling and uncomfortable.

Cataracts cannot be treated with medication or laser. Cataract treatment involves an operation to break down and remove the cataract and replace this with an artificial clear lens. The artificial lens is carefully chosen from eye measurements and calculations to maximise distance vision.

In most patients, cataract surgery is well tolerated under a local anaesthetic. No sutures are involved and you can return home the same day. Cataract surgery is the most common surgery in the UK and worldwide, and is very safe.

General Ophthalmology

General ophthalmology conditions including red, watery or dry eyes can have a big impact on quality of life. With over 10 years of experience in general ophthalmology, Mr Kirk is well placed to help diagnose and manage the issue you are experiencing.

Contact Jonathan Kirk Eye Care