The Retina Clinic London has become central London’s first private clinic to offer a glaucoma laser treatment that may reduce reliance on daily eye drops.
The clinic has introduced Direct Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty, known as DSLT, using the Alcon Voyager platform.
It said the treatment could strengthen its specialist glaucoma service by lowering intraocular pressure, meaning pressure inside the eye, without invasive surgery.
For some eligible patients, it may also reduce reliance on long-term glaucoma eye drops.
Unlike conventional Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty, the Voyager system treats the eye without direct contact.
It uses automated eye tracking and computer-guided delivery to apply 120 laser pulses through the limbus, the border between the cornea and the white of the eye.
The pulses stimulate the trabecular meshwork, the eye’s natural drainage system, to improve fluid outflow and lower pressure in suitable patients.
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide. As sight already lost cannot be restored, early diagnosis, monitoring and treatment are important.
In the GLAUrious study, 62 per cent of patients treated with Voyager DSLT remained free from glaucoma medication 12 months after treatment.
A further 81 per cent needed the same number or fewer glaucoma medications than before treatment.
The procedure is also intended to improve treatment precision and the patient experience.
No contact lens is required, the laser treatment takes only a few seconds for each eye and most patients experience little or no discomfort.
Patients can usually return to normal activities shortly afterwards, subject to advice from their consultant.
Professor Paulo Eduardo Stanga, founder and chief medical officer of The Retina Clinic London, said: “The introduction of Direct Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty with the Alcon Voyager platform represents another important step forward in the treatment of glaucoma.
“By delivering laser treatment without touching the eye, the technology combines patient comfort with highly precise, automated treatment delivery.
“For suitable patients, DSLT offers an opportunity to reduce dependence on daily glaucoma medication while helping to preserve vision over the long term.
“We are pleased to be the first private clinic in central London to make this technology available.”
The treatment is provided through a consultant-led glaucoma service supported by advanced ophthalmic imaging and comprehensive diagnostic assessment.
Each patient is assessed individually to determine whether DSLT is suitable as part of their long-term glaucoma care.
Follow-up usually takes place between 10 and 12 weeks after treatment to measure intraocular pressure and assess the patient’s response.
Based in London’s Harley Street Health District, The Retina Clinic London provides consultant-led diagnosis, treatment and surgery for retinal, macular, vitreous, glaucoma, cataract and complex eye conditions.
Founded by vitreoretinal surgeon Professor Paulo Eduardo Stanga, it combines multimodal imaging, an on-site operating theatre and access to ophthalmic clinical research within an integrated care model.
The clinic said the introduction of the Alcon Voyager platform reflects its continued investment in evidence-based ophthalmic technology.
It aims to combine the technology with specialist expertise and continuity of consultant-led care to support diagnosis, personalised treatment and long-term management for routine and complex eye conditions.
