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Expert private cataract surgery and glaucoma treatment in Southend and Brentwood, Essex. Consultant ophthalmologist Mr Alex Baneke offers fast access, premium lenses, and advanced glaucoma care. Book a consultation today. Mr Alex Baneke MA (Oxon) MBBS FRCOphth Consultant eye surgeon specialising in the treatment of cataract and glaucoma NHS & Private Care Southend University Hospital, Southend Private Hospital, Spire Hartswood & Orsett Hospital BOOK ONLINE Welcome. Sharing expertise, guarding your vision. Welcome to the website of Mr Alex Baneke, a leading Ophthalmic Surgeon and Doctor based in Essex specialising in the treatment of cataract and glaucoma. Whether you're seeking expert guidance on managing your condition, understanding medication, or exploring the latest treatment options, this site is your comprehensive resource. Discover a wealth of information tailored to help you navigate the journey towards better eye health with confidence and clarity. PATIENT INFORMATION Expert care Mr Baneke trained at the world-leading Moorfields Eye Hospital. He now runs fellowships to train other eye surgeons in the management of glaucoma and cataract surgery. His research into glaucoma and other conditions has been published internationally. Specialist in complex surgery Mr Baneke is a specialist in managing complex glaucoma and is often referred patients in whom previous surgery has failed. He uses tried and tested surgical techniques with the strongest evidence base behind them. Read More about Mr Baneke Private cataract surgery During your consultation Mr Baneke will carefully assess your visual requirements to ensure your surgery is perfectly tailored to your individual needs. If you would like to improve your vision and reduce or eliminate your depenence on glasses there are a number of cutting edge solutions available. Mr Baneke offers premium lenses including: multifocal lenses to free you from glasses completely extended depth of focus lenses to give you crystal clear vision accross most of your visual range toric lenses to correct astigmatism For patients with glaucoma, Mr Baneke offers advanced cataract and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, to provide greater freedom from daily eye drops. PATIENT INFORMATION Private glaucoma care Mr Baneke is a leading glaucoma surgeon renowned for his precision, expertise, and commitment to patient-centred excellence. Understanding that glaucoma is a lifelong condition, he takes the time to build a trusted partnership with every patient, offering care that is both highly personalised and guided by the latest scientific insight. Whether you have been managing glaucoma for many years or are seeking clarity on a recent diagnosis, Mr Baneke will guide you through a bespoke treatment plan designed to safeguard your vision for the long term. Mr Baneke offers: State-of-the-art diagnostic technology to identify even the most subtle changes in your eye health Advanced laser therapies proven to reduce, or completely remove the need for daily eye drops World-leading surgical techniques delivering precision, safety, and lasting visual outcomes Comprehensive medical management, including the most effective and well-tolerated eye drop treatments available PATIENT INFORMATION

Practical advice on living with glaucoma, from managing eye drops to driving and lifestyle. Written by glaucoma specialist Mr Alex Baneke in Essex. Living with Glaucoma For most people, glaucoma is a slowly progressing condition, and with the right treatment, many won’t notice a significant change in their vision. While glaucoma can cause some challenges, the good news is that most patients will not go blind. However, it’s important to be aware of how glaucoma can affect your daily life, especially as it progresses. In this guide, we’ll explain what it’s like to live with glaucoma, the impact on driving, and the support services available to help you. On this page Visual Field Loss Driving and Glaucoma Support Services and Charities Living with Glaucoma- daily activities Sleep and glaucoma Can lifestyle changes affect glaucoma? Help available for those with sight impairment Visual Field Loss Glaucoma primarily affects your peripheral vision, but in the early stages, many people won’t notice any changes. This is because the visual field loss often happens gradually, and one eye can compensate for the other. Additionally, the brain has an amazing ability to “fill in” gaps in your vision, meaning you might not realise you have any problems until the disease has advanced. Driving and Glaucoma Driving with glaucoma depends on how your visual field is affected. If you have glaucoma in one eye but normal vision in the other, you don’t need to inform the DVLA for personal car or motorbike licences. However, if both eyes are affected, or if one eye has glaucoma and the other is affected by a different condition, you must inform the DVLA and take a special visual field test for driving called the Esterman test. This test is done with both eyes open, and most people find it easier than the routine visual field tests performed in clinics. Patients who drive professionally (taxi, minibus or HGV drivers), are legally obliged to inform the DVLA even if their glaucoma only affects one eye. Fortunately, about 9 out of 10 people pass the Esterman test. If you don’t inform the DVLA and are involved in an accident, you could be fined or prosecuted. For those with a bus, coach, or lorry licence, you must inform the DVLA even if only one eye is affected by glaucoma. Medical professionals are required by law to inform the DVLA if a patient with glaucoma refuses to do so themselves. Patients can inform the DVLA of their condition online at https://www.gov.uk/eye-conditions-and-driving . Support Services and Charities If you’re living with glaucoma, there are many support services and charities that can help. Glaucoma UK and the Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB) provide advice, information, and courses on living with sight loss. They offer guidance on financial help, technology, employment rights, and caring for someone with sight loss. They also have helplines and websites for more information. Eye Clinic Liaison Officers (ECLOs) are available at most hospitals to provide direct support for patients experiencing vision loss. Ask your eye doctor for a referral to your local ECLO for help with accessing services and advice. Low Visual Aid Clinics offer tools and devices to help you manage day-to-day activities. If you are registered as sight-impaired or severely sight-impaired, you will also receive a needs assessment to help identify useful adaptations for your home. For more details on local services, the RNIB’s Sightline Directory offers links to resources for blind and partially sighted individuals. Living with Glaucoma: Daily Activities Research has shown that people with glaucoma in both eyes may find certain daily activities more challenging than those without the condition. For example, patients with visual field loss in both eyes may experience more difficulty with tasks like walking or reading. They may also walk more slowly and have an increased risk of tripping or falling, particularly if the lower part of their visual field is affected, which can make it harder to see steps or obstacles. Patients with glaucoma in only one eye tend to manage well with most day-to-day activities, as their vision in the unaffected eye compensates. However, as glaucoma progresses and affects both eyes, you may notice more difficulty navigating spaces or reading, and certain medications, like beta-blockers, may lower blood pressure and increase the risk of falls. Sleep and glaucoma Cells in the retina that detect light and help regulate your sleep-wake cycle, or your circadian rhythm, are damaged in glaucoma. There is evidence to suggest that this can make it harder for patients with advanced glaucoma to get a good night's sleep. Additionally, patients with sleep apnoea may be at higher risk of developing glaucoma. Lifestyle changes that may help patients with glaucoma to get a better night's sleep include increasing exposure to bright natural light during the day, and reducing exposure to bright lights in the evening. This will allow the remaining light-sensitive retinal cells to have as much impact as possible on the sleep-wake cycle. Taking melatonin supplements before bed may also help. Furthermore, some evidence suggests melatonin can reduce your intra-ocular pressure. Further helpful advice on sleep can be found at https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/mental-health-issues/sleep/ . Can lifestyle changes affect glaucoma? Leading a healthy lifestyle is important for patients with glaucoma. The two most important risk factors for glaucoma are intraocular pressure and age. Therefore activities that reduce intraocular pressure or the affect of aging on the body may slow the progression of glaucoma. Activities that can increase intraocular pressure and should therefore be performed in moderation for glaucoma patients, especially following glaucoma surgery, include the following: Yoga employing positions where the head is below the heart Heavy weight lifting Playing brass instruments, such as the trumpet High caffeine intake; moderate intake is probably fine, as caffeine is high in antioxidants, which may be protective against glaucoma Drinking large volumes of fluid over a short period of time Positive lifestyle changes that may slow the progression of glaucoma include: Regular exercise A healthy diet high in antioxidants, found in green leafy vegetables (kale and spinach), tomatoes, berries, nuts, dark chocolate, coffee (in moderation) and green tea Stopping smoking and reducing alcohol intake Meditation and activities that reduce stress Sleeping with the head slightly elevated on a pillow Driving and Glaucoma Daily activities Support Services and charities Sleep and glaucoma Lifestyle changes and glaucoma Help available for those with Sight Impairment If you are registered as sight impaired (SI) you may be entitled to these benefits and concessions: Free postage Free NHS eye examination Disabled person’s railcard Reduced/free bus fares Free directory enquiries Cinema pass for a carer Protection under Equality Act Assessment by Social Services Those registered as severely sight impaired (SSI) are additionally entitled to: Blind person’s tax allowance TV licence fee reduction Blue badge (car parking) You may also be eligible for additional benefits, including Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Attendance Allowance, Carer’s Allowance, and Universal Credit. Living with glaucoma doesn’t mean you have to stop doing the things you enjoy, but it’s important to be aware of how the condition might affect your vision, particularly as it progresses. Regular check-ups, following your treatment plan, and taking advantage of the support services available can help you manage your condition and maintain a good quality of life. For further information, don’t hesitate to reach out to charities like Glaucoma UK or the RNIB , or speak to your local Eye Clinic Liaison Officer for personalised advice and support.

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Contact Essex Eye Surgery to book a private consultation with Mr Alex Baneke. Clinics in Southend and Brentwood, Essex. Call 07398 997 592 or email info@essexeyesurgery.co.uk. Contact Us Contact us to arrange a private consultation: 07398 997 592 / 01702 667 819 info@essexeyesurgery.co.uk BOOK ONLINE: SOUTHEND BOOK ONLINE: BRENTWOOD NHS referrals via your GP or optician Consulting rooms: Southend Private Hospital 15-17 Fairfax Drive Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex SS0 9AG 01702 667 819 Spire Hartswood Hospital Eagle Way, Brentwood CM13 3LE 01277 232525 Orsett Hospital Rowley Road, Orsett, Grays RM16 3EU 01268 524 900 Southend University Hospital Southend-on-Sea, SS0 0RY 01702 435 555

Mr Alex Baneke is a consultant ophthalmic surgeon in Essex specialising in cataract surgery and glaucoma. Trained at Moorfields Eye Hospital. Clinics at Southend Private Hospital and Spire Hartswood, Brentwood. Mr Alex Baneke Mr Baneke is an experienced consultant ophthalmic surgeon, specialising in cataract and glaucoma surgery. He completed his medical studies at Oxford University and University College London, followed by extensive ophthalmic specialty training, with the majority of his 7-year program at the prestigious Moorfields Eye Hospital. During his 18-month fellowship in surgical glaucoma at Moorfields, Mr Baneke honed his skills in managing both routine and complex cases of glaucoma and cataracts. With a strong background in research, including a fellowship in glaucoma at Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital, Mr Baneke has contributed to internationally recognised publications. He is committed to advancing the field, running fellowships at Southend and Orsett hospitals, where he trains the next generation of eye surgeons in cataract and glaucoma surgery. Outside of his professional life, Mr Baneke enjoys spending time with his wife and two young children. To relax, he enjoys a good book and bike rides through the scenic Essex countryside. Mr Alex Baneke's world-class experience underpins the compassionate service he offers to his patients. Jump to Understanding Glaucoma What is Glaucoma? Understanding Intraocular Pressure Glaucoma risk factors "why me?" The different types of Glaucoma Living with Glaucoma Glaucoma Treatment Guide Eye drops and tablets A guide to surgical treatments Laser treatments Cataracts What are cataracts? A guide to cataract surgery A guide to lenses Laser after cataract surgery Other topics Dry eyes and blepharitis Services in Essex

What is the link between eye pressure and glaucoma? Mr Alex Baneke, glaucoma specialist in Essex, explains why controlling eye pressure protects your sight. A Guide for Patients Understanding Intraocular Pressure (IOP) Intraocular pressure (IOP) refers to the pressure inside your eye, which is essential for maintaining its shape and function. Just like the air inside a balloon keeps it inflated, the fluid inside your eye keeps it firm and healthy. However, when the pressure becomes too high, it can lead to conditions like glaucoma, which can damage your vision if left untreated. This section will explain what IOP is, how it works, and why it’s important to manage it properly. If you’ve been diagnosed with raised intraocular pressure or glaucoma, your eye specialist will work with you to manage and monitor it effectively. Treatments might include eye drops, laser therapy, or surgery to lower your pressure and prevent further damage to your vision. Regular check-ups and measurements of your eye pressure are important to ensure your treatment is working as intended. What is Intraocular Pressure (IOP) ? OP is the pressure created by the fluid in your eye. The eye is filled with two types of fluids: aqueous humour, which is found in the front part of the eye between the iris and the cornea, and a jelly-like substance called vitreous humour, located at the back between the lens and the retina. The aqueous humour is produced by the ciliary body, just behind the iris, and flows through the pupil into the front of the eye. From there, it drains out through the trabecular meshwork, located where the iris meets the cornea, in an area known as the drainage angle. The balance between the production and drainage of this fluid is what creates intraocular pressure. If the drainage is blocked or slowed, or too much fluid is produced, the pressure inside the eye increases. Imagine your eye as a sink: the tap (ciliary body) is constantly producing fluid, which fills the basin (anterior chamber) and drains out through the plughole (trabecular meshwork). If the drain is blocked, the water (or fluid) builds up, causing the pressure to rise. Glaucoma and Intraocular Pressure In open-angle glaucoma, the drainage system doesn’t work as efficiently as it should, causing the fluid to build up and increase the pressure inside the eye. Treatments for this include eye drops to reduce fluid production or help improve drainage, laser therapy, or surgery to create new drainage pathways. In angle-closure glaucoma, the drainage angle is blocked by the iris, which acts like a rubber stopper over the plughole. This blockage causes a sudden spike in pressure, which can be very painful and requires emergency treatment. This might involve medication to lower the pressure or a laser treatment (called a laser iridotomy) to create a small hole in the iris, allowing fluid to flow freely. How Do We Measure Intraocular Pressure? Eye pressure is measured using a special instrument that gently presses against the cornea to gauge how firm or soft the eye is, similar to testing the firmness of a balloon by pressing on it. The measurement is given in millimetres of mercury (mmHg), and this helps eye specialists assess whether your eye pressure is within a healthy range. What is a Normal Eye Pressure? Most people have an eye pressure that falls between 10 and 24 mmHg. However, what’s considered a “normal” pressure can vary from person to person. Some people with eye pressure below 21 mmHg may still develop glaucoma (normal-tension glaucoma), while others with pressures above 24 mmHg may not show any signs of the disease (ocular hypertension). According to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), if your eye pressure repeatedly measures 24 mmHg or higher, you should be referred to a hospital eye service for further investigation. However, some individuals with glaucoma can experience damage even with lower pressures, especially those with advanced disease. Factors That Influence Intraocular Pressure Intraocular pressure can fluctuate throughout the day due to various factors. These include: Body Position: Lying flat can increase your eye pressure compared to sitting upright, which is why night-time spikes in pressure may occur. Exercise and Activity: Physical activity, breathing, fluid intake, and even wearing a tight shirt collar can affect your eye pressure. Medications: Both systemic (whole body) and topical (eye drops) medications can influence your pressure. Caffeine: Drinking caffeinated beverages may cause temporary increases in eye pressure. For people with glaucoma, these fluctuations are particularly important to monitor, as spikes in pressure can contribute to further damage to the optic nerve.

What is glaucoma and how is it treated? A guide from Mr Alex Baneke, consultant glaucoma & cataract specialist in Southend and Brentwood, Essex. A Guide for Patients Understanding Glaucoma: An Introduction Glaucoma is a condition that damages the optic nerves, leading to a gradual reduction in your field of vision. Since this damage usually happens slowly, most people with glaucoma don’t realise there’s a problem until they’ve already lost a significant amount of vision. The good news is that with proper treatment, most patients with glaucoma do not go blind. Glaucoma is a manageable condition with early detection and appropriate treatment. By lowering eye pressure through eye drops, laser treatment, or surgery, it’s possible to slow the progression of the disease and protect your vision. Always discuss with your eye specialist which treatment options are best suited for your specific needs. What Causes Glaucoma? The main risk factors for glaucoma are increased eye pressure and age. The goal of treatment is to reduce eye pressure, which can significantly slow down the progression of the disease. Read More about Risk Factors and Prevention Advanced Treatment Options For more advanced glaucoma, surgical options may be necessary. These include: Trabeculectomy: A traditional surgical procedure that helps to lower eye pressure by creating a new drainage pathway for the eye fluid. Preserflo™ : A newer surgical option that also helps to reduce eye pressure with fewer potential complications than traditional surgery. Tube Surgery: This involves placing a small tube in the eye to help drain fluid and lower eye pressure. Additionally, there are various devices available under the category of "Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery" (MIGS) , such as the Miniject™. These devices generally cause fewer complications than more traditional surgeries, but it’s important to note that many of them still lack strong evidence to fully support their long-term effectiveness. Read More How is Glaucoma Treated? Treatment for glaucoma typically begins with eye drops or laser therapy. Eye Drops: The most commonly prescribed eye drop in the UK is latanoprost. This medication reduces eye pressure by around 30% in most patients by increasing the flow of fluid out of the anterior chamber of the eye. Latanoprost is generally well tolerated, but it can cause some side effects such as slight redness, stinging, and increased eyelash growth. Laser Treatment: For initial laser treatment, Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a safe and effective option for people with open-angle glaucoma. SLT works in about 70-80% of patients and can help control eye pressure for up to 5 years, potentially avoiding the need for eye drops. Read More TYPES OF GLAUCOMA AVAILABLE TREATMENTS CONTACT TO BOOK

What is age-related macular degeneration (AMD)? Learn about wet and dry AMD symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. Guide from Essex Eye Surgery. A Guide for Patients Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) This page explains what age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is, how to monitor your vision at home, and what treatment options are available. Dry AMD is a mild disease in most patients. Use an Amsler grid weekly to check for changes. AREDS-2 supplements may help slow AMD progression in some people. If you have dry AMD and develop sudden distortion or blurring, see an optician or ophthalmologist urgently. On this page What is AMD Dry AMD - Monitoring and Preventative steps Checking Your Vision at Home – The Amsler Grid Nutrition and the AREDS-2 Trial Looking After Your Eyes Support and Further Help What is AMD? AMD is a disease that affects the macula, the central part of the retina that helps you see detail. In dry AMD, extracellular material (drusen) build up in and distort the retina. In advanced cases retinal scarring can occur. In around 1 in 10 patients with dry AMD, abnormal blood vessels can grow into the retina and leak fluid. This is called “wet AMD” and requires urgent treatment. AMD occurs in 1 in 20 people over the age of 65. Fortunately, dry AMD is usually a mild disease that does not cause any significant problems with vision. AMD does not cause complete blindness, but in some cases central vision can become blurred or distorted; this can make reading, driving, and recognising faces more difficult. There are two main types: Dry AMD – more common, progresses slowly. Wet AMD – less common, but develops quickly. Requires urgent treatment with eye injections. Dry AMD – Monitoring and Preventative steps If you have been diagnosed with dry AMD, the information in this section provides useful advice regarding monitoring your vision and reducing your chance of progressing to wet AMD. Checking Your Vision at Home – The Amsler Grid An Amsler grid is a simple tool to help monitor changes in your vision and should be used weekly if you have AMD. You may want to stick a copy inside your bathroom cupboard to remind you to check regularly. How to use it: 1. Wear your reading glasses if you use them. 2. Position the grid at normal reading distance in good light. 3. Cover one eye and look directly at the central dot. 4. Check if the lines look wavy, blurred, distorted, or if any areas are missing. 5. Repeat with the other eye. If you notice new distortion, blurring, or missing patches, contact your optician or hospital eye clinic immediately. Click here to download and print a free Amsler grid. Nutrition and the AREDS-2 Trial Large research studies in the USA, called the AREDS and AREDS-2 trials, showed that a specific combination of vitamins and minerals may help slow the progression of moderate to advanced dry AMD in some people. The AREDS-2 formula includes: Vitamin C Vitamin E Zinc Copper Lutein Zeaxanthin Not everyone with AMD will benefit from these supplements, and they are not a cure. Check with your eye specialist before starting them to ensure you will benefit from them, especially if you take other medicines. AREDS-2 Formula Supplements Available in the UK PreserVision AREDS-2 Formula (Bausch + Lomb) Viteyes AREDS-2 Formula These can be bought from high-street pharmacies or online, using the links above. Looking After Your Eyes Stop smoking – the single most important step you can take. Eat a healthy diet – plenty of leafy greens (spinach, kale), colourful fruit, and oily fish (salmon, mackerel). Exercise regularly and keep blood pressure and cholesterol under control. Protect your eyes from sunlight with UV-blocking sunglasses. Wet AMD Around 1 in 10 patients with dry AMD progress to wet AMD. The term “wet” refers to fluid that develops within the retina, distorting the retina and damaging the cells that detect light. Wet AMD is usually a more severe form of the disease, which requires treatment with regular eye injections to prevent further vision loss. These injections are administered monthly for the first 3-4 months and then reduced in frequency. Many patients require injections every 2-3 months to maintain control of the disease. If you have dry AMD and develop sudden distortion or blurring in one eye, you may be developing wet AMD. You should seek urgent attention from an eye specialist. UK (NICE) guidelines recommend that treatment should be initiated within 2 weeks of diagnosis. Support and Further Help Macular Society https://www.macularsociety.org/ Macular Society Helpline: 0300 3030 111 RNIB www.rnib.org.uk RNIB Helpline: 0303 123 9999 Both organisations can provide support, advice, and connect you with local groups. Driving and Glaucoma Daily activities Support Services and charities

What are cataracts and when do you need surgery? A patient-friendly guide from Mr Alex Baneke, consultant cataract surgeon in Southend and Brentwood, Essex. A Guide for Patients Understanding Cataracts Cataracts are a common eye condition that can make your vision cloudy and blurry, much like looking through a foggy window. As we age, the proteins in our eye’s natural lens can start to change, leading to the formation of cataracts. If you’ve noticed your vision becoming less clear, particularly in low light or when driving at night, it might be due to cataracts. The good news is that cataract surgery is a highly successful procedure that can restore clear vision. What Exactly is a Cataract? A cataract happens when the normally clear lens inside your eye becomes cloudy. The word "cataract" actually comes from the Latin word for waterfall, "cataracta," because the cloudiness can resemble the appearance of water cascading down. Cataracts typically develop slowly over time, so you might not notice them at first. As they progress, you may find it harder to see clearly, especially in low light or when facing bright lights, such as headlights at night. Colours might appear duller, and you might struggle to distinguish contrasts as well as you used to. Most cataracts are simply a part of getting older, and they’re not usually linked to other diseases. However, certain factors can cause cataracts to develop earlier in life, such as diabetes, eye injuries, or the use of steroid eye drops. NHS CATARACT INFORMATION How is Cataract Surgery Performed? Cataract surgery is a procedure that involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with a clear artificial lens. The most common technique used today is called “phacoemulsification.” During the surgery, tiny incisions are made in the eye, and a small probe is used to break up the cloudy lens into smaller pieces. Once the cloudy lens is removed, it’s replaced with a clear plastic lens that is carefully chosen to focus light correctly onto your retina, restoring clear vision. More about cataract surgery More about different lenses