State-of-the-Art Eye Care
Mr. Panos specializes in a wide spectrum of ophthalmological treatments, from routine eye examinations to complex surgical procedures. His expertise in glaucoma and cataract management ensures that patients receive the most effective and appropriate care for their specific needs.
Glaucoma Treatment
Comprehensive Glaucoma Management
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, often caused by abnormally high pressure in the eye. If untreated, it can lead to permanent vision loss. Mr. Panos offers a full spectrum of glaucoma treatments, tailored to each patient's specific condition and needs.
Medical Treatment
For many patients, glaucoma can be managed effectively with eye drops or oral medications that either reduce the production of fluid in the eye or improve its outflow, thereby lowering intraocular pressure.
Laser Glaucoma Treatment
Mr. Panos specializes in various laser treatments for glaucoma, including:
- Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT): A gentle laser treatment that stimulates the body's natural mechanisms to enhance the drainage of fluid from the eye, effectively lowering eye pressure.
- Laser Iridotomy: Creates a tiny hole in the iris to improve fluid flow, particularly beneficial for patients with narrow-angle glaucoma or those at risk of angle closure.
- Cyclodiode Laser: Reduces the production of fluid in the eye by treating the ciliary body, typically used for more advanced glaucoma cases.
Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)
These innovative procedures offer a safer alternative to traditional glaucoma surgery with fewer complications and faster recovery times:
- iStent Implant: A tiny device implanted during cataract surgery to improve fluid drainage from the eye.
- Hydrus Microstent: An innovative device that enhances aqueous outflow through Schlemm's canal.
- Miniject: A minimally invasive supraciliary device that creates an alternative drainage pathway.
- Ab Interno Canaloplasty: Enhances the eye's natural drainage system without creating a full-thickness hole in the eye wall.
Advanced Surgical Procedures
For more complex cases, Mr. Panos offers advanced surgical options:
- Trabeculectomy: Creates a new drainage channel for fluid to leave the eye, bypassing the blocked natural channels.
- PreserFlo MicroShunt Implant: A revolutionary new drainage device that provides consistent and predictable pressure reduction with minimal tissue disruption.
- Tube Shunt Surgery: Involves placing drainage devices (Paul or Baerveldt tubes) to drain fluid from inside the eye to an external reservoir.
Benefits of Early Treatment
Early detection and treatment of glaucoma is crucial to prevent vision loss. Mr. Panos employs the latest diagnostic technologies to detect glaucoma at its earliest stages, when treatment is most effective.
- Preservation of vision and prevention of further damage
- Effective control of intraocular pressure
- Personalized treatment plans based on individual needs
- Access to the latest treatments and surgical techniques
- Comprehensive follow-up care to monitor treatment efficacy
Why Choose Mr. Panos for Glaucoma Treatment?
Specialist Expertise
As the Lead Clinician for Glaucoma at Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, Mr. Panos brings exceptional expertise to every case.
Award-Winning Team
His glaucoma team received the Best UK Ophthalmology Team award at the Bayer Ophthalmology Honours 2016.
Advanced Training
Trained at prestigious institutions including Moorfields Eye Hospital and Oxford Eye Hospital.
Innovative Approach
Committed to utilizing the latest advancements in glaucoma treatment for optimal patient outcomes.
Cataract Surgery
Cataract Surgery
Modern cataract surgery is a safe and effective procedure that typically takes less than 15 minutes. Using the latest techniques and technology, Mr. Panos performs micro-incision phacoemulsification to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with a premium artificial lens.
Glaucoma Surgery
Advanced surgical options for glaucoma management include:
- Trabeculectomy with Mitomycin-C
- Tube Surgery (Paul and Baerveldt)
- Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)
- Hydrus Microstent
- Miniject
Combined Procedures
Mr. Panos offers combined procedures for specific patients who meet the criteria:
- Phaco-Trabeculectomy (only for specific patients)
- Cataract surgery with MIGS
General Ophthalmology
Comprehensive eye care services including:
- Diagnostic testing and monitoring
- Medical management of eye conditions
- Laser treatments
- Other eyelid minor surgical treatments
Combined Cataract and Glaucoma Treatment
Mr. Panos has extensive experience in managing patients with both cataracts and glaucoma. For specific patients who meet the criteria, he offers combined procedures that address both conditions simultaneously, including:
- Phaco-Trabeculectomy: Combines cataract removal with trabeculectomy for specific patients.
- Phaco-iStent: Cataract surgery with iStent implantation to reduce eye pressure.
- Phaco-Tube: Cataract surgery with tube shunt implantation for specific advanced glaucoma cases.
Benefits of Modern Cataract Surgery
Improved visual clarity and color perception
Reduced glare and better night vision
Small incision with no stitches required
Quick recovery with minimal discomfort
Outpatient procedure with local anesthesia
Potential reduction in dependency on glasses
The Recovery Process
Most patients experience improved vision within a few days of surgery. Mr. Panos provides comprehensive post-operative care instructions and follow-up appointments to ensure optimal healing and visual outcomes.
Typically, patients can resume most normal activities within a week, with some precautions to protect the healing eye. Complete stabilization of vision may take several weeks as the eye adjusts to the new lens.
Mr. Panos and his team remain available throughout the recovery process to address any concerns and ensure the best possible results from your cataract surgery.
Laser Treatments
Advanced Laser Procedures
Mr. Panos offers a range of laser procedures to treat various eye conditions. These treatments are minimally invasive, highly precise, and typically performed as outpatient procedures.
YAG Laser Capsulotomy
After cataract surgery, some patients develop clouding of the lens capsule that holds the artificial lens, known as posterior capsule opacification (PCO). YAG laser capsulotomy is a quick, painless procedure that creates an opening in the cloudy capsule to restore clear vision.
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)
SLT is a safe and effective laser treatment for open-angle glaucoma that helps to lower intraocular pressure. It works by targeting specific cells in the drainage system of the eye, stimulating a biological change that improves fluid outflow. SLT can be used as an initial treatment or in combination with eye drops.
Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI)
This procedure creates a small opening in the iris to allow fluid to flow more freely between the posterior and anterior chambers of the eye. It is primarily used to treat or prevent angle-closure glaucoma, a condition where the drainage angle of the eye becomes blocked.
Benefits of Laser Treatments
- Minimally invasive procedures with quick recovery
- Performed as outpatient procedures under local anesthesia
- High precision targeting of specific tissues
- Reduced need for medications in some cases
- Low risk of complications compared to traditional surgery
- Quick procedure time, typically completed in minutes
What to Expect
Before the procedure, Mr. Panos will conduct a thorough examination and discuss which laser treatment is most appropriate for your condition. Most laser procedures follow this general process:
Pre-procedure Eye Drops
Eye drops are administered to prepare the eye and ensure comfort during the procedure.
Procedure Setup
You'll be seated at a specialized laser device where a contact lens may be placed on your eye to help focus the laser.
Laser Application
The laser is applied with precision to the target area. You may see flashes of light but will not feel pain.
Post-procedure
After a brief observation period, you'll be able to go home. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor your progress.
General Ophthalmology
Comprehensive Eye Care
In addition to his specialist work in glaucoma and cataract surgery, Mr. Panos provides comprehensive general ophthalmology services to diagnose and treat a wide range of eye conditions.
Services Include:
- Comprehensive eye examinations
- Diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases
- Management of chronic eye conditions
- Minor surgical procedures
- Treatment of eye infections
- Chalazion (eyelid cyst) removal
- Dry eye management
- Post-operative care
The Importance of Regular Eye Check-ups
Regular eye examinations are essential for maintaining good eye health and detecting potential problems early. Many eye conditions have no symptoms in their early stages, when treatment is most effective. Mr. Panos recommends regular eye check-ups, especially for individuals over 40 or those with a family history of eye conditions.
Personalized Treatment Plans
Mr. Panos believes in a personalized approach to eye care, tailoring treatment plans to each patient's unique needs and circumstances. To discuss your eye health concerns and explore the most appropriate treatment options, please book a consultation.