Helping safeguard your sight from glaucoma in Sydney

Our personalised care focuses on reducing pressure inside the eye to help slow progression and protect the vision you rely on every day

Helping safeguard your sight from glaucoma in Sydney

Our personalised care focuses on reducing pressure inside the eye to help slow progression and protect the vision you rely on every day

Over 20 years of eye care experience

Experts in cataract, refractive, and corneal treatments

Advanced diagnostic and surgical technology

Personalised care plans

Over 20 years of eye care experience at Eye & Laser Surgeons Sydney

With glaucoma treatment, you could preserve more of your sight

Learn how early diagnosis and tailored care can help protect your optic nerve and maintain independence

What is glaucoma?

  • Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, which carries visual information from the eye to the brain. In many people, this damage happens slowly. As a result, glaucoma can affect side vision for years before a person notices symptoms.
  • High eye pressure is the most important risk factor. However, glaucoma can still occur when eye pressure sits within the normal range. Therefore, a complete glaucoma assessment looks at the optic nerve, eye pressure, drainage angle, corneal thickness and visual field, rather than relying on pressure alone.
  • Once glaucoma causes vision loss, that lost vision usually cannot be restored. For this reason, early detection matters. People over 40, people with a family history of glaucoma, and people with other risk factors should have regular eye checks.
  • With careful monitoring and timely glaucoma treatment, many patients can preserve useful vision for the long term.

The main treatment options for glaucoma are SLT laser, prescription eye drops, cataract surgery combined with glaucoma treatment, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, trabeculectomy and tube surgery. These treatments aim to lower eye pressure and reduce the risk of further optic nerve damage. The right treatment depends on glaucoma severity, eye pressure, optic nerve appearance, visual field results and the patient’s ability to use long-term treatment consistently.

  • Glaucoma treatment lowers eye pressure and reduces the risk of further optic nerve damage. Although treatment cannot usually restore vision that glaucoma has already damaged, it can help slow progression and protect the vision that remains.

  • At Eye & Laser Surgeons in Sydney,Dr Sharma your ophthalmologist assesses the optic nerve, eye pressure, visual field and overall risk of progression before recommending treatment. Therefore, the right plan may differ from one patient to another.

  • For some patients, prescription eye drops provide the most suitable first step. However, many people with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension may also benefit from selective laser trabeculoplasty, also known as SLT laser.

    The LiGHT trial compared SLT laser with eye drops as first treatment for open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. At 3 years, 74.2% of patients in the SLT-first group did not need drops to keep eye pressure at target. In addition, fewer patients in the SLT-first group needed glaucoma surgery.

    Even so, glaucoma treatment is not one-size-fits-all. Some patients do well with drops or SLT laser, while others need cataract surgery combined with glaucoma treatment, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, trabeculectomy or tube surgery.

    Because glaucoma usually lasts for life, your treatment plan may change over time. Regular monitoring helps your ophthalmologist check whether the optic nerve and visual field remain stable. If glaucoma progresses, your ophthalmologist can adjust or escalate treatment.

  • Glaucoma treatment lowers eye pressure, also called intraocular pressure, to reduce the risk of further optic nerve damage. Although glaucoma can occur with normal eye pressure, pressure reduction remains the main proven way to slow progression.

  • First, Dr Sharma assesses the eye pressure, optic nerve, drainage angle, corneal thickness and visual field. Then, he estimates the risk of glaucoma progression and sets a target pressure for that eye. This target varies between patients. For example, early glaucoma may need a different target from more advanced visual field loss.

  • Treatment then aims to keep eye pressure at or below that safer level. Eye drops lower pressure by reducing fluid production inside the eye or improving fluid drainage. In contrast, selective laser trabeculoplasty, also called SLT laser, helps the eye’s natural drainage system work more effectively.

  • The LiGHT trial showed why this matters. Researchers compared SLT laser with glaucoma eye drops as first treatment for open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. At 3 years, many patients who started with SLT kept eye pressure at target without daily drops. In addition, fewer patients in the SLT-first group needed glaucoma surgery.

  • Longer-term LiGHT trial data also supported early SLT for suitable patients. However, SLT does not work for everyone, so regular monitoring remains essential.

  • Because glaucoma usually progresses slowly, success often means stability rather than sharper vision. Therefore, Dr Sharma monitors eye pressure, OCT optic nerve scans and visual field tests over time. If glaucoma worsens, he can adjust treatment, repeat SLT, add drops or consider surgery.

  • The major advantage of glaucoma treatment is the chance to maintain useful vision for life.
  • Most treatments are well-established, effective, and tailored to minimise disruption to daily routine.
  • Laser and stent procedures may reduce the number of drops required.
  • However, treatment needs to continue long-term and results rely heavily on consistency.
  • Some people may need multiple treatment types as the disease progresses.
  • While treatment cannot restore lost vision, it can help protect the sight that remains.
  • Understanding expectations and staying committed to follow-up visits are key to a successful outcome.

  • All glaucoma treatments have possible risks and side effects.
  • Eye drops may cause irritation, redness or changes to the surface of the eye. Laser therapy has a small risk of temporary inflammation or pressure spikes.
  • Surgical procedures, including stents, can lead to infection, scarring or fluctuating pressure that requires additional care.
  • The risk of doing nothing is significant, as untreated glaucoma can lead to permanent vision loss.
  • Your ophthalmologist will discuss the safest options for your situation and monitor you closely to reduce risk and keep your eyes healthy long-term.

  • With early and appropriate treatment, many people stabilise their glaucoma and keep good functional vision for decades.
  • You may still need glasses for focusing, but the aim is preserving the visual field you rely on to stay independent.
  • Treatment success depends on early diagnosis, how well pressure responds, and regular monitoring.
  • Vision that has already been lost cannot be regained, which is why early checks and ongoing care are so important.
  • Your specialist will guide you through each step, helping you stay confident in your treatment and long-term eye health.

GAIN VISUAL FREEDOM IN 3 EASY STEPS

Eye treatment options can be confusing, we’ve made the path to healthier vision easy to follow

STEP 1: GET IN TOUCH

Every eye is different. The first step is to find out which treatment could help you see more clearly and protect your long-term vision. Call our caring team or use our online calendar to book an appointment.

STEP 2: WE’LL MEET

During your appointment, we’ll examine your eyes and explain which treatment options may suit your condition and lifestyle. You’ll receive expert advice and a clear, personalised plan.

STEP 3: ENJOY FREEDOM

After treatment, many people feel relief knowing their eyes are healthier and their sight is clearer. With proper care, you can look forward to years of confident, comfortable vision.

Take the first step toward clearer, healthier vision

Book an appointment to learn more about your eyes and the treatment options that may suit you

Take the first step toward clearer, healthier vision

Book an appointment to learn more about your eyes and the treatment options that may suit you

Dr Shanel Sharma ophthalmologist in Sydney providing wet macular degeneration and anti-VEGF injection care

Hi, I’m Dr Shanel Sharma

I’m an ophthalmologist with subspecialty training in paediatric eye conditions, strabismus, medical retina and general ophthalmology from leading hospitals in Sydney and London, including Moorfields Eye Hospital. I hold a Fellowship with RANZCO and have published widely in peer-reviewed journals. My focus is providing careful, individualised care using evidence-based treatments. I’m accredited to treat a range of conditions and perform procedures including intravitreal injections, strabismus surgery and botulinum toxin treatments. I always aim to make the process clear, calm and supportive.

Hi, I’m Dr Daya Sharma

I’m a cataract, corneal and refractive surgeon with subspecialty training from Moorfields Eye Hospital in London and Sydney Eye Hospital. I perform laser vision correction procedures, refractive lens surgery, and advanced cataract surgery using the latest diagnostic and surgical technology. My work is focused on helping people reduce their dependence on glasses and improve their quality of vision at all distances. I’m actively involved in research, publication and surgical education, and I take pride in offering honest, thorough guidance to every patient. My approach is personal, careful and always tailored to individual needs and lifestyles.