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Contact Us Contact us to arrange a private consultation: 07398 997 592 / 01702 667 819 info@essexeyesurgery.co.uk 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

Treatment for cataract What are cataracts? Contact Us Cataract surgery is one of the most common and safest procedures performed in the UK, with millions of successful surgeries worldwide each year. It’s a quick, effective way to restore clear vision and significantly improve your quality of life. Most patients still rely on glasses for near vision following cataract surgery. Premium lenses, including multifocal and extendend depth of focus (EDOF) lenses, can be used to remove or significantly reduce glasses dependence. Unfortunately most of these lenses are not available on the NHS. Mr Baneke offers a comprehensive array of treatments for patients with cataracts. These are described in more detail below. Cataract surgery Read More Multifocal lenses Read More Laser after cataract surgery Read More Cataract Surgery Scroll Down Clear Vision Ahead: Understanding Cataract Surgery If your vision has become cloudy or blurry, you might be dealing with a cataract. The good news? Cataract surgery is a highly effective procedure that can restore your sight, helping you see the world clearly again. How is Cataract Surgery Performed? Cataract surgery is usually a straightforward procedure that involves removing a cloudy lens and replacing it with a clear artificial lens. The most common technique used today is called “phacoemulsification". First your eye is made numb using drops or an anaesthetic injection. 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. These pieces are then gently removed, and the eye is irrigated with water to keep it clean and comfortable. For most patients the operation takes 15 to 30 minutes. Once the cloudy lens is removed, it is replaced with a clear plastic lens that is carefully chosen to focus light correctly onto your retina, restoring clear vision. For most people, the new lens is selected to give good distance vision, which means you might still need glasses for close-up tasks like reading or using a computer. However, there are more advanced lenses available, such as toric lenses for correcting astigmatism, multifocal lenses, and extended depth of focus (EDOF) lenses, which can reduce or eliminate the need for glasses altogether. Unfortunately, most of these premium lenses are not available on the NHS. Cataract surgery results in excellent outcomes for the vast majority of patients. However, as with any operation, there are risks involved. A small minority of patients end up with worse vision after surgery, or need a second operation to improve the vision. Posterior capsular opacification can cause blurring following surgery: this can be fixed with a simple laser procedure (see below for further details). Some patients need a stronger glasses correction than expected. The risk of vision loss from a complication such as a severe infection or bleed is around 1 in 1000 cases. Read More about Lenses What to Expect After Cataract Surgery Cataract surgery is one of the most common and successful surgical procedures performed in the UK today, with the vast majority of patients experiencing significantly improved vision afterwards. Approximately 1 in 10 patients develop posterior capsule opacification (PCO) following cataract surgery, which can be treated with a simple laser procedure in clinic. Rare complications include a deterioration in your vision or a need for further surgery. Recovery is usually quick, and most people are able to return to their normal activities within a few days. In more complex cataract surgery it can take a few weeks for the vision to improve. Patients should avoid excessive bending and heavy lifting for the first month. Patient information videos Posterior Capsule Opacification During cataract surgery, your eye's natural lens is replaced with a clear artificial lens. The lens is held in place by a natural bag, which is left intact during the procedure. Sometimes the back of this bag can become cloudy over time. This common complication of cataract surgery is called posterior capsule opacification (PCO). Around 1 in 10 people experience it after cataract surgery and symptoms include blurred vision, streaks, and halos around lights. These symptoms can gradually worsen if left untreated. The good news is laser treatment is simple, straightforward and very effective. Read More about Laser after Cataract Surgery Patient Information Videos Multifocal Lenses Scroll Down Choosing the Right Lens for Your Vision: A Guide to Premium Lens Options If you're considering cataract surgery and want to reduce or even eliminate your need for glasses, premium lenses like Multifocal, Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF), and Toric lenses could be the perfect choice. These lenses offer fantastic results, but they may not be suitable for everyone. Let's explore what each option has to offer, so you can make the best decision for your vision. The Standard Option: Monofocal Lenses In standard cataract surgery, a monofocal lens is used. This type of lens focuses light at a single distance, most commonly for distance vision. With this choice, you'll likely need glasses for near tasks like reading or intermediate tasks like using a computer. Monofocal lenses are reliable and work well for many patients, but if you're looking to be less dependent on glasses, you might want to consider a premium lens. Multifocal Lenses Multifocal lenses are designed to focus light from a range of distances, potentially freeing you from the need for glasses altogether. These lenses are a great option if you prefer not to wear glasses, have a strong glasses prescription, and don’t have other eye conditions like glaucoma. However, there are some trade-offs: multifocal lenses can cause increased glare, halos, reduced night vision, and lower contrast sensitivity. They might not be the best choice if you do a lot of night driving or have high visual demands. Additionally, these lenses aren't always suitable for patients with astigmatism. It's also common to need a Yag laser capsulotomy after surgery with multifocal lenses, which is a simple procedure but might not be included in the initial surgery cost. Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF) Lenses EDOF lenses provide an extended depth of focus, offering clearer vision at multiple distances and reducing your reliance on glasses. These lenses are an excellent choice if you want to be independent of glasses for most tasks but don't mind using reading glasses occasionally for small print. EDOF lenses tend to cause fewer issues with glare, halos, and reduced night vision compared to multifocal lenses, though these effects can still occur to a lesser degree. Like multifocal lenses, EDOF lenses are not recommended for patients with advanced glaucoma, and you may need a Yag laser capsulotomy after surgery. Toric Lenses If you have astigmatism, Toric lenses could be a great option. They correct the uneven curvature of your cornea, which is shaped more like a rugby ball than a football. Toric lenses can significantly reduce your dependence on distance glasses if you have two or more dioptres of corneal astigmatism (your ophthalmologist can determine this for you). While these lenses increase your chances of achieving glasses independence for distance vision, it's important to note that in a small number of cases, the lens can rotate after surgery, requiring a follow-up procedure to reposition it correctly. Monovision Monovision is another strategy to reduce your dependence on glasses using standard monofocal lenses. This approach involves setting one eye for distance vision and the other for near or intermediate vision. While this can reduce your need for glasses, it does come with some downsides, such as a reduction in depth perception. Some people may find it difficult to adjust to the difference in prescription between their eyes. If you’re considering monovision, it's a good idea to test it out with contact lenses first, with one eye corrected for distance and the other for near vision. Even with monovision, you’ll likely still need glasses for tasks like reading small print. Restoring Your Vision After Cataract Surgery: Yag Laser Posterior Capsulotomy If you've had cataract surgery and your vision has started to blur again, you might be experiencing a common issue that can develop after the procedure, called "posterior capsular opacification". The good news is that a quick and painless laser treatment called Yag laser posterior capsulotomy can restore your clear vision in just a few minutes. Yag Laser: Why Do I Need This Treatment? During cataract surgery, your eye's natural lens is replaced with a clear artificial lens. The lens is held in place by a natural bag, which is left intact during the procedure. However, sometimes the back of this bag can become cloudy over time, leading to blurred vision, streaks, or halos around lights. These symptoms can gradually worsen if left untreated. What Does the Yag Laser Do? In the past, treating this cloudy bag required another trip to the operating theatre. Thankfully, modern technology allows us to quickly and safely remove the cloudy part with a Yag laser right in the clinic. The procedure is straightforward and usually painless. Here’s what to expect: Anaesthetic Drops: Before the treatment begins, numbing drops are applied to your eye to keep you comfortable. Laser Treatment: A special lens may be placed against your eye, and the Yag laser is used to create a small opening in the cloudy bag. This allows light to pass through clearly again, restoring your vision. Quick and Easy: The entire process takes just a few minutes, and most patients find it completely painless. After the treatment, you might be given a short course of steroid drops to help your eye heal. Your vision should improve rapidly, and you can return to your normal activities right away. Are There Any Risks? Yag laser posterior capsulotomy is a very safe procedure, but as with any surgery, there are some risks to be aware of. You might notice new floaters or spots in your vision afterwards. In rare cases, the lens could be damaged, leading to "pitting," or you might experience a more serious complication like retinal detachment or fluid buildup in the retina (cystoid macular oedema), which could affect your vision. There’s also a chance your eye pressure could rise temporarily. While these risks are rare, it’s important to discuss any concerns with your eye specialist, who will ensure you’re fully informed and prepared for the procedure.

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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

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

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

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 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 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. 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. 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. Driving and Glaucoma Daily activities Support Services and charities 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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A Guide for Patients Understanding Glaucoma: The different types Glaucoma is a complex eye condition that can lead to vision loss if not properly managed. There are several types of glaucoma, each with its own characteristics and treatment options. This guide will help you understand the various forms of glaucoma and what they mean for your eye health. 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. A Guide: Understanding the different types of glaucoma Glaucoma comes in various forms, each requiring a tailored approach to treatment. Whether you have Primary Open Angle Glaucoma, Primary Angle Closure Glaucoma, Normal Tension Glaucoma, Ocular Hypertension, or secondary glaucoma, managing eye pressure is key to protecting your vision. Your eye specialist will guide you through the best treatment options based on your specific type of glaucoma and overall eye health. Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG) Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG) is the most common form of glaucoma. In POAG, the pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure) is higher than normal, typically above 21-24mmHg. This increased pressure leads to damage to the optic nerve, known as "cupping," which can cause a gradual loss of peripheral vision. In POAG, the drainage angle of the eye is open, which can be confirmed through a simple test called gonioscopy, where a lens with a small mirror is placed on the eye. The main issue in POAG is that fluid drainage from the eye’s anterior chamber is impaired due to a blockage in the drainage channels (trabecular meshwork). You can think of it like a bath where the plug is clear, but there’s a blockage further down the pipe that causes the water to rise. Treatment for POAG usually begins with eye drops or Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) to lower eye pressure. If these treatments aren’t sufficient, surgery may be necessary. You can find more detailed information about surgical options in the Treatment section of this website. Read More about Surgical Treatment and Laser Primary Angle Closure Glaucoma (PACG) In Primary Angle Closure Glaucoma (PACG), the drainage angle is closed, leading to increased eye pressure and optic nerve damage. This type of glaucoma can be identified using gonioscopy. In PACG, the iris blocks the trabecular meshwork, preventing fluid from draining properly and causing a rise in eye pressure. Treatment for PACG often starts with eye drops, Yag Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (PI), or cataract surgery. Yag PI involves creating a small hole in the iris to allow fluid to bypass the blockage, which helps open up the drainage angle. Cataract surgery can also help by replacing the natural lens with a thinner artificial lens, providing more space for fluid to drain. In some cases, further surgery may be required if these treatments don’t adequately control the disease. PACG can develop slowly or suddenly. If it occurs suddenly, it’s known as Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma (AACG). Symptoms of AACG include severe headache, eye pain, nausea, seeing halos around lights, blurred vision, and a red eye. This is an eye emergency, and if you experience these symptoms, you should go to A&E or an Eye Casualty immediately. Eye Casualties are available at Southend University Hospital and Broomfield Hospital, but you will need a referral from the main A&E or an emergency optician. Some patients may have narrow drainage angles without developing glaucoma. These patients may be classified as having Primary Angle Closure (PAC) if the pressure is raised without optic nerve damage, or Primary Angle Closure Suspects (PACS) if the angle is narrow but the pressure is normal. Treatment is recommended for PAC, while patients with PACS can often be monitored by their optician annually, as the risk of progressing to glaucoma is low. Read More about Cataract Surgery Normal Tension Glaucoma (NTG) In Normal Tension Glaucoma (NTG), the pressure inside the eye is within the normal range (below 21mmHg), but there is still optic nerve damage and corresponding visual field loss. The drainage angle is open, as confirmed by gonioscopy. In NTG, factors other than eye pressure, such as blood supply to the optic nerve, mitochondrial function (how well the cell’s energy production parts work), and the pressure of the fluid surrounding the brain and optic nerve, may contribute to optic nerve damage. However, the only proven treatment for reducing the risk of vision loss in NTG is lowering eye pressure. Treatment for NTG typically starts with eye drops, though SLT (laser) may also be tried. However, SLT is often less effective in NTG because it works best when eye pressure is initially raised. In some cases, surgery may be necessary. There is ongoing research into using oral nicotinamide to improve mitochondrial function, which may emerge as a new treatment for NTG. Read More about Eye Drops Ocular Hypertension (OHT) Ocular Hypertension (OHT) is a condition where the pressure inside the eye is elevated (above 21-24mmHg) without any signs of optic nerve damage or visual field defects. About 1 in 10 patients with OHT will develop glaucoma over a 5-year period, but treatment can reduce this risk to 1 in 20. In OHT, the drainage angle is open, but there may be a blockage in the drainage channels that prevents fluid from leaving the eye properly. Treatment for OHT is not always necessary, as not all patients will go on to develop glaucoma. The decision to treat is based on the patient’s risk factors and preferences. If treatment is recommended, it usually starts with eye drops or SLT (laser). Surgery is generally avoided in OHT unless the patient is at high risk of vision loss. Read More about Laser Secondary Glaucomas Secondary glaucoma occurs when increased eye pressure and optic nerve damage result from another eye condition or surgery. Conditions that can lead to secondary glaucoma include: Vitreoretinal surgery (e.g, for retinal detachment) Complicated cataract surgery Corneal graft surgery Use of steroid eye drops Uveitis (inflammatory eye disease) Uncontrolled diabetic eye disease (neovascular glaucoma) Eye trauma or injury Pseudoexfoliation (PXF) Pigment Dispersion Syndrome (PDS) In secondary glaucoma, the drainage angle may be open or closed, depending on the cause. Treatment will vary based on the underlying condition and may include eye drops, laser therapy, surgery, or a combination of these approaches. Read More GLAUCOMA UK Pseudoexfoliation (PXF) and Pigment Dispersion Syndrome (PDS) Pseudoexfoliation (PXF) involves the abnormal accumulation of protein deposits in the body, including the eyes. In some cases, these deposits block the trabecular meshwork, leading to increased eye pressure. Patients with PXF may experience faster disease progression, and surgery can be more challenging. Pigment Dispersion Syndrome (PDS) occurs when the lens inside the eye rubs against the iris, causing pigment to shed and potentially block the trabecular meshwork. Not all patients with PXF or PDS develop glaucoma, but if pressure increases, treatment options are similar to those for open-angle glaucoma. PDS patients should avoid high-impact sports, as these can increase pigment shedding. Activities like cycling and swimming are generally safer. Yag Laser Iridotomy may be offered to PDS patients who haven’t developed high eye pressure, as it might reduce the risk of raised pressure. However, once pressure is elevated, Yag Laser Iridotomy is less likely to help. Read More about Yag Laser MORE ABOUT GLAUCOMA AVAILABLE TREATMENTS CONTACT TO BOOK

Leading glaucoma specialist in Essex. Mr. Alex Baneke offers expert diagnosis at AB Glaucoma Cataract, private glaucoma care & cataract surgery with fast access and trusted outcomes. 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 CONTACT FOR A CONSULTATION Welcome. Sharing expertise, guarding your vision. Welcome to the website of Mr Alex Baneke, an 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. At Ab Glaucoma Cataract (essex-eye-surgery) we prioritse you. 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

RESEARCH & PUBLICATIONS Scroll Down 01. Eye. 2024. Hussain A, Baneke A. Comment on: "Effect of trabeculectomy on the rate of progression of visual field damage." Read All 03. Eye. 2022. Jayaram H, Baneke AJ, et al. Managing risk in the face of adversity: design and outcomes of rapid glaucoma assessment clinics during a pandemic recovery. Read All 05. Am J Ophthalmol. 2019. Alaghband P, Baneke AJ, Galvis E, Madekurozwa M, Chu B, Stanford M, Overby D, Lim KS. Aqueous Humor Dynamics in Uveitic Eyes. Read All 07. Cur Eye Res. 2016. Baneke AJ, Lim KS, Stanford M. T he pathogenesis of raised intraocular pressure in uveitis. Read All 09. Travel Med Infect Dis. 2012 Mar;10(2):92-6. Winner of the Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease “First Look – Student Research” Best accepted paper for 2012. Baneke A. Review: Targeting trachoma: Strategies to reduce the leading infectious cause of blindness. Read All 11. Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health. March 2014. Baneke A. The junior doctor, an untapped paediatric teaching resource? Read All 02. Eye. 2023. Nair A, Baneke A. Comment on: "Could the AREDS formula benefit patients with glaucoma?" Read All 04. Eye (Lond). 2019. Baneke AJ, Aubry J, Viswanathan AC, Plant GT. The role of intracranial pressure in glaucoma and therapeutic implications. Read All 06. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2018. Baneke AJ, Williams KM, Mahroo OA, Mohamed M, Hammond CJ. A twin study of cilioretinal arteries, tilted discs, and situs inversus. Read All 08. Retin Cases Brief Rep. 2020. Baneke AJ, Vakros G, Sharma V, Wong SC. Bleb-related endophthalmitis after use of the invitrea injection guide. Read All 10. Br J Hosp Med (Lond). 2019. Radotra A, Baneke A, Paul B. Mydriasis secondary to use of glycopyrrolate cream. Read All

Patient information These pages are designed to provide evidence-based, straightforward guidance to help you understand your condition and the best treatment options available. 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 Age-Related Macular Degeneration Services in Essex