Key Takeaways

UK-based Centre for Sight has become the first clinic globally to perform a pioneering incision-free laser procedure for glaucoma outside of a clinical setting. The operation, known as FLIGHT, uses the ViaLase ViaLuxe Laser System to deliver a fully image-guided femtosecond laser treatment for patients with open-angle glaucoma without the need for blades or surgical incisions.

The first procedure was carried out at Centre for Sight in London by Sheraz Daya, MD, founder and medical director of the clinic, on 25-year-old patient Jestina Jah.

Unlike conventional glaucoma surgery, which typically requires incisions and operating theatre access, the FLIGHT procedure uses high-resolution OCT imaging and micron-level laser precision to create microscopic channels through the eye’s drainage tissue. The channels are designed to restore the eye’s natural fluid outflow and lower IOP. The outpatient treatment takes approximately 5 minutes to perform.

“Centre for Sight has always been committed to bringing meaningful innovation to patients through technologies that advance precision, safety and the overall treatment experience,” Dr. Daya said. “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. 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 majority of cases.”

“This marks an important milestone for ViaLase as we begin the commercial introduction of FLIGHT in Europe,” said Pete England, chief commercial officer of ViaLase. “We believe this treatment will revolutionize 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.”