Centre for Sight has become the first clinic in both the UK and worldwide to carry out a pioneering incision-free laser procedure for glaucoma. The innovative treatment takes around five minutes to perform and could provide a new option for thousands of people living with the potentially blinding eye disease.
The pioneering procedure, known as FLIGHT, uses the ViaLuxe® Laser System to deliver an incision-free, image-guided femtosecond laser treatment for patients with open-angle glaucoma. Unlike traditional glaucoma surgery, no blade or surgical incision is required. Instead, advanced OCT imaging combined with highly precise laser technology creates microscopic channels in the eye’s drainage tissue. This helps restore the eye’s natural fluid flow and lowers internal eye pressure. Existing techniques require an incision into the eye and must be carried out in an operating theatre, whereas FLIGHT can be performed in an outpatient setting.
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of permanent blindness worldwide. Often referred to as the “silent thief of sight”, the disease can develop without noticeable symptoms until irreversible vision loss has occurred. Treatment usually begins with medicated eye drops before progressing to laser procedures, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery or more complex filtration surgery.
The new five-minute procedure could represent a significant advance in glaucoma care by providing an earlier, non-incisional treatment designed to lower eye pressure and slow disease progression.
The first UK treatment was carried out at Centre for Sight in London by Mr Sheraz Daya, Founder and Medical Director of Centre for Sight, who is internationally recognised for pioneering developments in ophthalmic surgery. The patient was 25-year-old Jestina Jah.
Mr Daya said: “Centre for Sight has always been committed to bringing meaningful innovation to patients through technologies that advance precision, safety and the overall treatment experience. We are proud to be among the first centres globally and the first in the United Kingdom to introduce the FLIGHT procedure, marking a redefinition of glaucoma care.”
He added: “The best part of it is we are accomplishing something that previously required an incision and entry into the eye. Incision free, convenient and may dispense with the requirement for eye drops in the majority of cases.”
ViaLase, the medical technology company behind the procedure, says FLIGHT represents a new era in glaucoma treatment by combining image guidance with femtosecond laser precision in a completely non-invasive approach.
Pete England, Chief Commercial Officer of ViaLase, said: “This marks an important milestone for ViaLase as we begin the commercial introduction of FLIGHT in Europe. We believe this treatment will revolutionise interventional glaucoma by enabling surgeons to more safely intervene to reach target pressures and prevent glaucoma progression. ViaLase is proud to partner with globally respected physicians to expand patient access to FLIGHT.”
Glaucoma affects an estimated 76 million people worldwide, with that figure expected to rise to 112 million by 2040. If left undiagnosed or untreated, the disease can result in irreversible sight loss. Reducing intraocular pressure remains the only proven way to slow visual field deterioration.
Founded in 1996 by Mr Daya, Centre for Sight is one of the UK’s longest-established specialist eye clinics. It is recognised for introducing advanced technologies and treating complex eye conditions that are often unsuitable for treatment elsewhere.
Mr Daya has performed more than 35,000 cataract operations and a similar number of laser eye procedures. Centre for Sight has state-of-the-art facilities in London’s Harley Street Medical Area, East Grinstead and Surrey.
Mr Daya added: “Our purpose is to provide innovative treatments that transform lives. Glaucoma can be devastating because sight loss is irreversible, so advances that allow earlier intervention with greater precision and a better patient experience are incredibly important.”
Mr Gus Gazzard, Director of Surgery at Moorfields Eye Hospital and a user of the laser at Centre for Sight, will perform the second operation this week. He said: “The ability to deliver a precise, image-guided femtosecond laser treatment without opening the eye represents a compelling advancement in glaucoma therapy. The level of visualisation and procedural precision offered by the platform is particularly impressive.”
For more information, visit: https://www.centreforsight.com/
