• Reference Number: HEY1686/2026
• Departments: Ophthalmology Department
• Last Updated: 28 February 2026

Introduction

This leaflet is intended for patients receiving Elios Laser treatment for glaucoma.  Although we hope to cover all the important points about the operation if there are still questions that you have, it is very important that you discuss this with the doctor or other members of staff involved in your care.

What is Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a term given to a group of eye conditions characterised by damage to the optic nerve

(the nerve that carries visual impulses to the brain). Primary open angle glaucoma is the commonest form of glaucoma, and it is usually caused by high pressure in the eye that can result in permanent damage to the optic nerve. This may cause parts of vision to be lost and in severe cases it can even cause blindness.

It is called “the silent thief of vision” as in most cases there are no symptoms until the loss of vision is very severe.

Treatment available for glaucoma

The initial treatment for most forms of glaucoma is eye drops to reduce the pressure within the eye. These need to be used every day for life. Laser or surgery can be also used to lower the pressure in the eye.  When glaucoma continues to progress despite the use of drops or laser treatment your consultant may recommend Elios laser treatment procedure.

What is Elios Laser Treatment? 

Elios laser treatment is a minimally invasive procedure designed to help manage glaucoma by lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) in the eye. This laser procedure can be an effective option for patients who may not respond adequately to medications alone or for those who wish to reduce their dependence on glaucoma medications.

How does Elios laser work?

The Elios laser targets specific areas of the eye to improve the drainage of aqueous humour (the fluid in the eye), thereby reducing the pressure inside the eye. This helps to prevent damage to the optic nerve and maintain vision.

Indications for treatment: Elios laser treatment may be recommended for patients with:

• Open-angle glaucoma
• Other types of glaucoma as determined by your eye care specialist

Before the Procedure

• Consultation: Your eye doctor will perform a thorough examination, including measuring your IOP and assessing the health of your optic nerve.
• Medications: Inform your doctor about any medications you are currently taking, including eye drops and any allergies you may have.
• Pre-procedure instructions: Follow any specific instructions given by your doctor, such as avoiding certain medications before the procedure.

What to expect during the procedure

• Duration: The Elios laser procedure typically takes about 15 to 30 minutes.
• Anaesthesia: Local anaesthesia may be administered to numb the eye and minimize discomfort.
• Procedure: Elios laser treatment is usually combined with cataract surgery. It is an implant-free intervention that can be performed during cataract surgery and is backed by long-lasting results. It avoids the need for an implant by using laser light energy to create microchannels within the trabecular meshwork inside the eye. The ten microchannels support natural outflow and lower pressure without leaving anything behind.

A video explaining the procedure can be found here:

https://eliosvision.com/ous/patients/

After the procedure

• Recovery: Most patients can resume normal activities shortly after the procedure, although you should avoid strenuous activities for a short period.
• Follow-up: You will need to attend follow-up appointments to monitor your IOP and ensure the treatment is effective.
• Possible side effects: Side effects may include mild discomfort, redness in the eye, or temporary fluctuations in vision. Serious complications are rare but can occur, so report any unusual symptoms to your doctor immediately.

Benefits of Elios laser treatment:

• Minimally invasive with a quick recovery time
• Can reduce or eliminate the need for glaucoma medications
• Helps lower eye pressure to prevent further damage to the optic nerve

Important considerations:

• Elios laser treatment may not cure glaucoma but can help manage the condition effectively.
• It is important to continue regular eye examinations and follow your doctor’s recommendations for ongoing care.

Should you require further advice on the issues contained in this leaflet, please do not hesitate to contact the Hull and East Yorkshire Eye Hospital on Tel: 01482 608788

General Advice and Consent

Most of your questions should have been answered by this leaflet, but remember that this is only a starting point for discussion with the healthcare team.

Consent to treatment

Before any doctor, nurse or therapist examines or treats you, they must seek your consent or permission. In order to make a decision, you need to have information from health professionals about the treatment or investigation which is being offered to you. You should always ask them more questions if you do not understand or if you want more information.

The information you receive should be about your condition, the alternatives available to you, and whether it carries risks as well as the benefits. What is important is that your consent is genuine or valid. That means:

• you must be able to give your consent
• you must be given enough information to enable you to make a decision
• you must be acting under your own free will and not under the strong influence of another person

Information about you

We collect and use your information to provide you with care and treatment. As part of your care, information about you will be shared between members of a healthcare team, some of whom you may not meet. Your information may also be used to help train staff, to check the quality of our care, to manage and plan the health service, and to help with research. Wherever possible we use anonymous data.

We may pass on relevant information to other health organisations that provide you with care. All information is treated as strictly confidential and is not given to anyone who does not need it. If you have any concerns please ask your doctor, or the person caring for you.

Under the General Data Protection Regulation and the Data Protection Act 2018 we are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of any information we hold about you. For further information visit the following page: Confidential Information about You.

If you or your carer needs information about your health and wellbeing and about your care and treatment in a different format, such as large print, braille or audio, due to disability, impairment or sensory loss, please advise a member of staff and this can be arranged.