Incision-Free Glaucoma Procedure Offers New Hope for Patients at Risk of Blindness – UK & World First at Centre for Sight
London, 18 May 2026 — A groundbreaking new glaucoma treatment that requires no surgical incision has been performed for the first time in both the UK and the world at Centre for Sight, marking a major milestone in the future of glaucoma care.
The pioneering procedure, known as FLIGHT, uses the innovative ViaLuxe® Laser System developed by ViaLase to deliver a completely incision-free, image-guided femtosecond laser treatment for patients with open-angle glaucoma.
Unlike traditional glaucoma surgery, which requires blades, incisions, and operating theatre procedures, FLIGHT uses high-resolution OCT imaging combined with micron-level laser precision to create microscopic channels within the eye’s drainage tissue. These channels help restore the eye’s natural fluid outflow, lowering intraocular pressure, the only proven method to slow glaucoma progression.
The treatment can be performed in an outpatient clinic and may reduce or even eliminate the need for daily glaucoma eye drops in many patients.
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide and is often referred to as the “silent thief of sight” because symptoms frequently go unnoticed until permanent vision loss has already occurred.
Current treatment pathways typically begin with daily eye drops before progressing to laser therapy or invasive surgical procedures. Experts believe this new non-incisional intervention could represent a major advancement by enabling earlier, safer, and less disruptive treatment.
The first UK procedure was performed in London by Sheraz Daya, Founder and Medical Director of Centre for Sight, internationally recognised for pioneering work in ophthalmic surgery. The patient treated 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. It is incision-free, convenient and may dispense with the requirement for eye drops in the majority of cases.”
According to ViaLase, FLIGHT represents a new era in interventional glaucoma treatment by combining advanced imaging 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.”
Globally, glaucoma affects an estimated 76 million people, with that number expected to rise to 112 million by 2040. Because the disease is chronic and irreversible, earlier intervention and pressure reduction remain critical in preserving vision.
