Mr John Brookes

Mr John Brookes
Ophthalmology
Central London


Call

Book online

Mr John Brookes Ophthalmologist in
London

MB BS FRCOphth

See 2 Verified patient reviews

Call

Book online

Mr John Brookes areas of expertise:

Professional statement

Mr John Brookes is a leading and world-renowned ophthalmic surgeon based in London, with 20 years experience. Practising from Moorfields Eye Hospital and Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, he specialises in all aspects of glaucoma management, with a special interest in treating glaucoma in children.

Mr Brookes ran the glaucoma service at Moorfields for over four years and now runs the childhood glaucoma service at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children. He is committed to quality, bespoke eye care, providing a personal approach to eye care and convenience to suit all patients.

He has written numerous publications on various aspects of his specialty and lectured internationally on glaucoma management. He regularly travels with the charity ORBIS to provide teaching and training to surgeons in developing countries.


Reviews

Services

Images

CV

Videos

Articles

 Videos of doctor

John L Brookes Main 4

View all videos by Mr John Brookes

 Credentials

GMC: 4019220

 Professional experience

• More than 25 years of experience
• Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon, Moorfields Eye Hospital, London (2004 - present)
• Honorary Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London (2012 - present)
• Paediatric Glaucoma Fellowship, Moorfields Eye Hospital, London (2003 - 2004)

 ...

 Sub-specialties

• Adult cataract
• Adult glaucoma
• Childhood glaucoma
• General opthalmology
• Amblyopia
• Angle-closure glaucoma
• Aniridia
• Astigmatism
• Blepharitis
• Cataracts
• Cataracts in children
• Chalazion treatment
• Coloboma
• Congenital glaucoma
• Conjunctivitis
• Corneal abrasion
• Dry eyes
• Eye allergies
• Eye examination
• Eye floaters
• Fuchs' dystrophy
• Glaucoma
• Glaucoma surgery
• Glaucoma surgery - MIGS
• Hyperopia (farsightedness)
• Keratitis
• Lens Replacement
• Low vision
• Myopia
• OCT (optical coherence tomography)
• Ocular hypertension
• Open-angle glaucoma
• Paediatric ophthalmology
• Presbyopia
• Second medical opinion
• Secondary glaucoma
• Stye
• Trabeculectomy
• Visual impairment
• Watery eyes

 ...

 Teaching posts

• Lecturer in Paediatric Glaucoma at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (M.Sc. Course in Community Eye Health, since 2004)

 Education

• St. Mary's Hospital Medical School, B.Sc.(Hons) MB BS FRCOphth (1987 - 1993)

 Publications and conferences

• ORBIS Medical Volunteer in China (2011) Mongolia (2012) Kolkata (2013)
• Section Leader, consensus meeting on paediatric glaucoma, World Glaucoma Association (WGA)

 Professional membership

• Royal College of Ophthalmologists (RCOphth)
• International Glaucoma Association (IGA)
• British Medical Association (BMA)
• General Medical Council (GMC) 
• European Glaucoma Society (EGS)
• Moorfields Alumni Association (MAA)

 ...

Languages spoken

  • English

Patient reviews for Dr. John Brookes

Would you recommend this doctor?

  • Bedside manner
  • Friendliness of the staff
  • Wait time
  • Facilities conditions

All reviews are from verified patients booked through Top Doctors.

Patient reviews

Verified Patient
23/10/2017

Would you recommend this doctor?

  • Bedside manner
  • Friendliness of the staff
  • Wait time
  • Facilities conditions

Patients comments

Mr brookes was very approachable. his explanations of why he was performing certain tests and the results of those test were clear, confident and concise. he explained the reason why it was sensible to have these further tests carried out in a reassuring manner which removed my concerns and put my mind at rest. i am not sure you can ask for much more from a visit to a medical consultant.

Verified Patient
17/04/2017

Would you recommend this doctor?

  • Bedside manner
  • Friendliness of the staff
  • Wait time
  • Facilities conditions
Read all reviews

Diseases, Medical Tests and Treatments

Cataracts

Cataracts, also known as phacosclerosis, occur when the lens in the eye, whose function is to convert light rays into images on the retina, hardens or ...

Childhood glaucoma

Glaucoma can be congenital (present from birth) or occur during childhood. It is the build-up of intraocular eye pressure and left untreated can lead ...

Congenital glaucoma

Glaucoma in children is a congenital or inherited condition, it usually becomes apparent in the first year of life.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is an eye disease that causes progressive loss of nerve fibres in the optic nerve, whose proper functioning is essential for clear vision. It ...

Ocular hypertension

Ocular hypertension is the term to describe an increase in pressure in the eye. Anyone can suffer this condition however people with eye injuries, eye diseases, on certain medications, and diabetics are more inclined to develop ocular hypertension. Symptoms are not always visible so it is very important to perform eye examinations as a means of prevention of disease. Ocular hypertension can be treated with medication to reduce eye strain and prevent damage to the optic nerve and to reduce the risk of glaucoma thus avoiding the permanent loss of vision. ...

Second medical opinion

What is a second medical opinion? A second medical opinion is when you consult with a doctor that is not your regular doctor about a potential diagnosis and/or treatment plan. There is no legal right to a second opinion, however, it is rare for a doctor to refuse. Why would you get a second medical opinion? Patients may consider a second medical opinion if they are facing a new diagnosis or recommended treatment because sometimes this can feel confusing and a second opinion can put their mind at ease. In addition, there are certain situations where a second medical opinion is sought after: Potential treatment is risky and could be life-changing or the diagnosis is possibly life-threatening The diagnosis is not clear-cut If you are considering a new treatment approach that is experimental The aims of obtaining a second medical opinion are: To confirm whether a diagnosis is correct and/or appropriate. To confirm whether a suggested treatment is correct and/or appropriate. To compare information received from each doctor so that you can make an informed decision – sometimes a second medical opinion can rule out the need for a potentially unnecessary invasive procedure. Possible disadvantages of seeking a second medical opinion include: The process can delay the start of treatment. Logistically, seeing another specialist might be difficult and possibly time-consuming. It might be stressful to hear the same diagnosis again. How would you seek a second medical opinion? You can request a second medical opinion from your GP or consultant, but before doing so it is recommended that you ask for as much clarification and explanation about the initial diagnosis and treatment, before seeking a second opinion. Obtaining a second medical opinion does not mean that the second doctor will then take over – if that is what the patient decides, then this needs to be agreed formally between doctors and hospitals.  ...

Amblyopia

What is a lazy eye? Amblyopia, better known as a lazy eye, is a common sight disorder where vision is decreased in an eye, and is not correctable by glasses or contact lenses. The eye suffers reduced vision because the brain is not acknowledging the information sent by that eye properly. It usually manifests in one eye, with the brain choosing to mainly accept visual information from the other, although in certain cases it may manifest as reduced vision in both. It is a childhood disease, so it is highly important that it is corrected during early ages so that it does not end up becoming chronic.   What are the symptoms of amblyopia? Most lazy eyes do not cause symptoms, with many children being unaware that there is a problem, and younger children often being unable to explain what is wrong. Some older children may have difficulty reading, writing, and drawing. Sometimes, the eye may look different, although this is usually a direct symptom of another condition, which may be the root cause of the lazy eye. Such conditions include: The weaker eye may look in a different direction than the stronger one (strabismus) Childhood cataracts Refractive errors, such as myopia and astigmatism Actions such as rubbing the eyes often, winking eyes or constantly blinking eyes are also indications that the child (or adult, in those cases not detected in time) suffers from a lazy eye.   Causes of a lazy eye  The main cause is an underdeveloped nerve pathway from the eye to the brain, formed during childhood. These nerves transmit information from the retina (the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye) to the brain, which interprets this information as vision. During the first eight years of a child’s life, this connection from the eyes to the brain is built, as the eyes show the brain images, and the brain learns to make sense of them. The brain may not be able to build strong pathways in the following situations: If a low amount of light is entering the eye (caused by cataracts, for example). If the eye is unable to focus light well (refractive errors). Where the images sent by the two eyes aren’t the same (e.g. in the case of strabismus).   Can a lazy eye be prevented? As amblyopia is a predictable and treatable condition, it should be detected quickly. It is advisable that all children have a complete eye exam at least once between 3 and 5 years of age. Parents should watch out for the signs listed above.   What is the treatment for amblyopia? If a lazy eye is a consequence of another condition, that condition must first be treated. Glasses can be used to treat hyperopia, myopia or astigmatism, while cataracts will have to be removed to allow light to enter the eye properly. The child must then be encouraged to use the weaker eye to improve its connection to the brain. This can be done by reducing the brain’s reliance on the stronger eye, either by covering it with an eye patch, or temporarily blurring its vision with eye drops. Treatment is usually effective, but gradual, usually taking months to work, and should not be stopped too soon, as progress can be lost. After 7 or 8 years of age, the effectiveness of this correctional treatment is uncertain. ...

Angle closure glaucoma

Angle closure glaucoma, or acute glaucoma, is caused by increased pressure within the eye as a result of the build up of fluid. Symptoms are severe pain, blurred vision and nausea. ...

Aniridia

Aniridia is a hereditary and congenital eye disorder that usually occurs in both eyes and is characterised by the incomplete development of the iris. Although the term aniridia refers etymologically to the absence of iris, the reality is that this condition is when part of it is missing as it has not yet fully developed. As a consequence, vision is impaired, decreasing up to 20% in some cases. In addition, aniridia can lead to various diseases, such as glaucoma or cataracts. So far, there is no specific treatment for this disease, so the treatment will depend on the degree of side effects that each patient suffers. ...

Astigmatism

What is astigmatism? Astigmatism is a condition where the shape of your eye is more like a rugby ball than a football, causing blurriness in vision. People with astigmatism are generally born with it, but sometimes the condition can develop as the result of surgery, injury, or an illness. Astigmatism usually comes with long- or short-sightedness. Astigmatism is very common – nearly 50% of people in the UK who wear glasses have some form of astigmatism. What are the causes of astigmatism? Astigmatism occurs when the curvature of the surfaces on your eye are irregular, resulting in a refractive error. Your eye has two curved surfaces – the cornea and the lens – which bend, or refract, light. In a perfectly functioning eye, both the cornea and lens have two curves that match each other, resulting in a sharp image. However, if the curves are mismatched in either the cornea or lens, your retina will receive a blurry image. A fault in the cornea is called corneal astigmatism while a fault in the lens is called lenticular astigmatism. Both of these types come under the bracket of regular astigmatism, which is by far the most common form of astigmatism. Irregular astigmatism involves a cornea or lens which is curved in multiple directions, curved asymmetrically, or uneven in other ways. It is much more difficult to correct and not usually possible to correct with eyeglasses. However, irregular astigmatism occurs much more rarely than the regular form, and is usually the result of an injury to the eye or illness. The rest of this article focuses on regular astigmatism. Symptoms of astigmatism The main symptom of astigmatism is blurry vision, which can come with: headache eye strain (especially from reading or looking at a computer for a long period of time) squinting Medical tests to diagnose astigmatism Astigmatism, along with long- and short-sightedness, can be diagnosed by an optician during a comprehensive eye exam. The doctor will be able to determine from this what degree of astigmatism you have, and therefore what your corrective options are. Treatments for astigmatism Astigmatism can usually be corrected with eyeglasses or contact lenses. Both involve the use of artificial lenses to give you clear vision. From your eye exam the optician will produce a prescription, which states what kind of lens you need. Previously it was not possible to buy soft contact lenses for astigmatism, and the only option was the use of rigid lenses. Now, however, a special form of soft lens called ‘toric’ lenses are available. For stronger forms of astigmatism the cost of contact lenses can increase, and the range of frames you can wear may be restricted. If you opt for eyeglasses or contact lenses, it is important to have your eyes regularly tested because the shape of your eyes change gradually over time, and your prescription might change. Finally, laser eye surgery is often an option, but can be more expensive and may carry the risk of complication. ...

Cataracts in children

What is it?   The lens of the eye is usually clear, allowing it to bend light onto the back of the eye (the retina), which allows us to see. When the lens, or part of the lens, becomes cloudy or opaque, we call this a cataract. Cataracts distort the light that passes through, causing the signals sent by the retina to form a blurred or distorted image in the brain. If left untreated, cataracts can cause continued deterioration of vision, sometimes even leading to blindness. While cataracts generally affect older people, babies can be born with them (congenital cataracts), and they can also develop in children (developmental, infantile or juvenile cataracts). Cataracts in children or babies are thankfully rare, affecting an estimated 3 in every 10,000 children in the UK.   What are the symptoms?   Cataracts can occur in one or both eyes in children. In very young children, cataracts can easily be missed, due to no obvious symptoms, although routine eye examinations of babies can catch them. It is important to diagnose and treat cataracts as soon as possible to avoid or reduce long-term vision issues in your child. Symptoms to watch out for include: Cloudy patches in the lens – these can grow and multiply, further affecting the child’s vision. Poor vision Wobbling eyes A squint, or strabismus (eyes pointing in different directions)   What causes cataracts in children and babies?   It is often unknown what causes cataracts in many cases. Possible causes of congenital cataracts include: Genetics: a faulty gene from the parents may cause the lens to develop in an abnormal way. Other genetic conditions, e.g. Down’s syndrome Infections during pregnancy, e.g. rubella, chickenpox, etc. Possible causes of acquired, or juvenile cataracts include: An eye injury after birth Conditions like diabetes and galactosaemia have been linked to cataract formation Toxocariasis – a rare parasitic infection that passes from animals to humans via faeces. This can sometimes infect the eyes, and can cause cataract formation.   How can it be prevented?   It is not usually possible to prevent cataracts, as the causes are generally out of our control, particularly if there is a genetic factor. However, making sure you are up to date with your vaccinations before pregnancy, and following your doctor’s advice during pregnancy can help to minimise risks.   What is the treatment?   In many cases, childhood cataracts are not serious enough to impede vision, but in cases where they are, cataract surgery is usually recommended to remove the lens and either replace it with an artificial lens inside the eye, or have the child wear glasses or contact lenses to do the job of the missing lens (these options are more common for children than an implant). ...

Chalazion treatment

A chalazion is an inflammation of the eyelid, it is caused by a blockage in the meibomian gland.

Coloboma

Coloboma, also known as coloboma of the iris, is a hole in the iris of the eye. Most are congenital, meaning they are present from birth. In most cases the cause is unknown but sometimes it can occur due to eye surgery, trauma or genetics....

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the mucosa lining the layers of the eyelids, the anterior face of the eyeball and the sacs of the eye. The basic function of the conjunctiva is to protect the surfaces it covers, so when an infection occurs, it tends to become inflamed. The most common symptoms of conjunctivitis are redness, and a burning ensation in the eye, as well as yellow or green rheum. These symptoms also happen very frequently in cases of allergy. The treatment of conjunctivitis includes the application of eye drops or gel, in addition to a thorough cleaning of the area with sterile saline or warm water that has been previously boiled. ...

Corneal abrasion

Corneal abrasion is where the surface of the cornea of the eye is scratched. It can cause redness, pain, sensitivity to light and the sensation that something is in your eye. It is typically treated with an antibiotic ointment. ...

Dry eyes

Dry eye syndrome occurs when there is a shortage or lack of lubrication to the eye. This is one of the most common diseases in ophthalmology and is caused by an alteration in the tear film, causing discomfort and itching, eye dryness, grittiness and difficulty with opening the eyes in the morning. According to the degree of dryness, this condition is classified as light, medium and severe. In some cases, it is a consequence of other diseases, so treatment will be closely linked to how the initial ailment is being treated. If this is an isolated condition, the most common treatment is to “replace” the tears which provide the lubrication. Artificial tears are applied to the eyes as a salve in drops form. ...

Eye allergies

What are eye allergies? Eye allergies, also known as allergic eye disease, describes a set of allergies similar to hayfever and asthma where the eyes display an excessive immune reaction to an external environmental factor. The main types of eye allergies are: Acute allergic conjunctivitis Chronic allergic conjunctivitis (which includes hayfever conjunctivitis and vernal conjunctivitis) Giant papillary conjunctivitis What are the symptoms and causes? Acute allergic conjunctivitis is most common amongst young children playing outdoors, often triggered by long grass or pets. The symptoms include itchy, watery eyes with some eyelid swelling as well. The symptoms of chronic allergic conjunctivitis depends on the type. Hayfever conjunctivitis: The most common form of allergic conjunctivitis. Itchy, watery eyes Triggered by exposure to pollen (seasonal) or animals, dust and mould (perennial). Symptoms are generally seasonal. Sometimes the eyelids may swell. Vernal conjunctivitis: Often occurring in patients with additional allergies, this form of eye allergy is very severe. Eyes become very itchy, watery, and photosensitive and can experience a burning sensation. Sometimes vision can be reduced. Giant papillary conjunctivitis: This type of eye allergy affects those wearing contact lenses or patients with artificial eyes. Papillae, which are small bumps, will form on the inner upper eyelid. Eyes become itchy and watery, with increased mucous production. How are eye allergies different to infectious conjunctivitis? The symptoms of eye allergies can be very similar to those of infectious conjunctivitis, but there are a few key differences that can help when diagnosing: Discharge with allergic conjunctivitis is more watery, whereas it is thicker and sticky with infectious conjunctivitis. Allergic conjunctivitis flares up throughout the day, whereas infectious conjunctivitis is generally at its worst first thing. With allergic conjunctivitis, there should be no lymph node swelling, whereas with infectious conjunctivitis the lymph nodes are normally swollen and raised. Allergic conjunctivitis is recurrent, whereas infection conjunctivitis is usually one-off. How can they be prevented? The best way to prevent allergic conjunctivitis is to avoid the allergen that triggers it. Some ways to do this include: Keeping windows shut Getting rid of any house plants or flowers that release pollen. Removing carpet, as dust mites can live in them. Staying indoors during hayfever season. Having dust covers on pillows and mattresses. Avoid wearing contact lenses if you suffer from giant papillary conjunctivitis. What is the treatment? As well as at-home remedies, such as eye baths and using a cool cloth to compress the eyes, there are some medical treatments available. These include: Topical antihistamines – eye drops that help reduce swelling and itching. Topical decongestants – eye drops that reduce swelling by constricting blood vessels in the eye. Immunotherapy – allergy injections or tablets. Topical mast cell stabilisers – medicine that prevents the cells that release histamine. They are best used over time, rather than for rapid symptom relief. Corticosteroids – generally prescribed for severe allergic conjunctivitis, and are taken for just a short period.  ...

Eye examination

What is an eye examination?  An eye examination is a series of tests which are usually conducted by an ophthalmologist (eye doctor), or other professionals such as optometrists. There are different types of eye examination to assess different parts of people's vision, and it is recommended that all people should have periodic eye examinations to check eye health and detect any potential abnormality or disease.  What should I expect during an eye examination?  If you go in for an eye exam, you can usually expect these basic steps: Giving a medical history and describing any problems in vision, if applicable Having your visual acuity (sharpness, acuteness) measured to check if glasses or contact lenses may be needed Having your eye pressure measured Getting your eye health checked, using lights shone in particular places on the eye to examine both the front and the inside Other tests may be performed during the examination, such as the reading of an eye chart, a cover test to check the alignment of the eyes, or an examination of the retina. Your ophthalmologist will advise the tests they wish to perform, and explain the steps as they perform them. After the examination they will explain what they have found, and answer any questions you may have.  How can I prepare for an eye examination? If you wear contact lenses or glasses, make sure to take them with you when you go to the appointment, so the doctor can check if your prescription is accurate. Depending on the type of test performed, you may wish to arrange for someone to take you home afterwards, as certain tests can cause a little discomfort or blur vision. Other tests dilate the eyes, so you may want to have sunglasses at the ready, as bright lights can be uncomfortable after this type of exam.  Why is an eye examination performed? Eye examinations should be performed regularly as part of routine health checks. This means the doctor or professional can see differences in your eyesight, check for any abnormalities, and correct any vision problems. A healthy adult with no vision problems should expect to have eye tests every 5-10 years whilst in their 20s and 30s, every 2-4 years from age 40-54, every 1-3 years from age 55-64, and evey 1-2 years after the age of 65. If you already wear glasses or contact lenses, this means you should have your eyes tested more frequently. You also may need more frequent eye tests if there is a history of eye disease in your family, or if you suffer from a chronic illness or disease which puts you at greater risk of developing some kind of eye disease (such as diabetes).    ...

Eye floaters

Floaters are small dots, circles, lines or cobwebs that appear in one's sight. They are caused by the formation of tiny bits of gelatine in the vitreous humour, the liquid part of the eye. This is a fairly common condition after cataract surgery and quite common in myopic patients, and also occurs as people age. It also causes a very uncomfortable feeling, and in some cases, it may be a symptom of a more serious eye condition, so it is absolutely advisable to visit a specialist as soon as symptoms occur. Although there is no cure for floaters, the ophthalmologist will advise the most appropriate treatment depending on the patient. ...

Fuchs' dystrophy

Fuchs’ dystrophy is characterised by a reduction in the number of endothelial cells that form the inner layer of the cornea. Their function is to maintain good transparency and process water that forms the structure of the cornea. Therefore, when they are reduced, water is not processed properly and, fluid accumulated, causing the corneal tissue to becomes thicker and loose its crystalline transparency. As a consequence, the vision is blurred and other problems can occur, such as scarring of the cornea. If this happens, a corneal transplant is necessary, whereby the affected cornea is replaced by a healthy endothelium from a donor. ...

Glaucoma surgery

Glaucoma is one of the most common eye conditions, and surgical techniques are often used to correct the issue. The operation is usually done on an outpatient basis, with a local or general anaesthetic. Surgery is one of the treatment options for glaucoma. Other options are topical eye drops or laser treatment. ...

Glaucoma surgery - MIGS

MIGS glaucoma surgery is a term for a number of interventions, techniques and devices that lessen intra-ocular pressure. MIGS stands for minimally invasive glaucoma surgery and the techniques are usually safer and with a quicker post-operative stage. ...

Hyperopia (farsightedness)

What is hyperopia? Hyperopia (also known as hypermetropia, farsightedness or long-sightedness) is a very common eye condition in which distant objects will appear clearly, but objects closer up can appear blurry. If you suffer from hyperopia, your eyes are better at focusing on distant objects than nearby ones. Hyperopia generally affects adults over the age of 40, however, it can affect people of all ages and children too. Hyperopia can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses. Symptoms of hyperopia: The symptoms that you might experience if you have hyperopia include: Nearby objects can appear blurry or fuzzy You might have to squint to see clearly Your eyes may feel tired or strained when focusing on nearby objects, such as reading or writing. You may have headaches Children who have hyperopia may not have obvious symptoms at first, but if left untreated can develop other conditions such as a squint, crossed-eyes or a lazy eye. Medical tests to diagnose hyperopia: If you think you may be suffering from hyperopia, you will need to have an eye test, which can be booked at any local opticians. An eye test will confirm whether or not you are long-sighted and what prescription you will need for glasses or contact lenses. You should have an eye test every two years to ensure your prescription is kept up-to-date. If you think your prescription has changed, book an eye test to confirm this. What are the causes of hyperopia? Hyperopia will occur when your eyes do not focus light on the retina correctly. The retina is the layer at the back of the eye. This may result from your eyeball being too short, the lens being unable to focus or having a flatter cornea. The cornea is the transparent layer at the front of the eye. Treatments for hyperopia: Children and younger adults do not always require glasses to fix their hyperopia because their eyes are able to adjust and adapt. However, adults will require glasses or contact lenses to adjust their vision. Adults who are interested in being independent from glasses can consider laser eye surgery to correct their vision. Which type of specialist treats hyperopia? Ophthalmologists will treat and diagnose hyperopia. ...

Keratitis

Keratitis is an inflammation of the cornea (front of the eye, in front of the pupil and iris). It is usually easy to cure without complication, although sometimes the condition may affect deeper layers of the cornea and cause ulcers, which can be serious. The main symptoms are severe pain in the eye, redness of the anterior pole, tearing and photophobia. ...

Lens Replacement

Intraocular lenses are transparent artificial lenses used to replace the natural lenses of the eyes when they are damaged. The eye lens is responsible for receiving light rays which carry images, so when the lens is damaged, vision is impaired. Replacing it with an intraocular lens restores normal vision. Normally, intraocular lenses are made from flexible and pliable material and are the same size as the natural lens. The intraocular lens is generally implanted in the eye during cataract surgery. ...

Low vision

Low vision is vision loss that is not improved by conventional lenses or surgery. Vision loss can cause problems for everyday tasks, and often requires psychological support to prevent the patient from falling into depression. ...

Myopia

Myopia, also known as near-sightedness, is an ocular abnormality. A dysfunction in the retina causes difficulty with long range vision. Although close range vision is normal, obstacles at a distance are blurred. There are many degrees of myopia: for example, high myopia exceeds 6.5 dioptres. The most common treatments are glasses and contact lenses, but increasingly, patients are opting for laser surgery, the application of which depends on the characteristics of each eye. The procedure consists of modifying the surface of the cornea, correcting the dioptre affected. For the most severe myopia, a procedure to implant intraocular lenses, whose function is the same as the eyes’ natural lenses, is an option. ...

OCT (optical coherence tomography)

OCT is a high resolution intravascular diagnostic technique. It is used to study the inside of the coronary arteries and the inside of the macula and retina. The macular OCT or optical coherence latomography is a test that allows the diagnosis and monitoring of macula and retina problems. Pathologies in which it is performed: macular degeneration (AMD) Glaucoma macular oedema Serous central choroiditis epiretinal membrane macular holes magna or pathological myopia This technique does not cause discomfort to the patient and does not require prior preparation. A microscopic study of the tissues of the eye is carried out using an infrared laser beam. ...

Open angle glaucoma

This is the most common form of glaucoma and tends to build up slowly over years. It happens when the eye is correctly positioned but does not drain properly, causing a build up of pressure. Treatments can be topical, surgical or by laser. ...

Paediatric ophthalmology

Paediatric ophthalmology is the area of medicine that deals with the eye and its diseases in children, from birth through adolescence. Since some eye diseases begin to show symptoms at these ages, it is very important to consider childhood ophthalmology as part of their general health care. Among the most common conditions are lazy eye and strabismus. Also, if any of the family of the patient has congenital diseases associated with vision, early checks and follow-ups are a necessity. ...

Presbyopia

Presbyopia, also known as farsightedness, is a common condition caused by ageing of the eye lens, which appears especially from 40 to 45 years. More specifically, it is a hardening of the lens, one of the most important parts of the eye for good vision, and which is responsible for focusing images on the retina so objects are seen clearly. Presbyopia causes a distorted view of nearby objects, affecting the close-up view. This condition can be corrected with the use of glasses or contact lenses and surgery. The latter will depend on the patient’s age, the state of the lens and the eye defect. There are two surgical options: the use of lasers, and phacoemulsification with intraocular lens (artificial lens implants). ...

Secondary glaucoma

Glaucoma is considered secondary when it has an underlying disease or condition. It can also be of the open or closed variety.

Stye

A sty is an inflammation and infection of a hair follicle of the eye. It forms into a minor bump on the edge of the eyelid, at the base of the lashes, in the so-called gland of Zeiss or Moll’s gland. It is not serious but is a painful condition. The cause is a bacterial infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus. They are especially common in children....

Trabeculectomy

The most common glaucoma treatment, a trabeculectomy is a surgical procedure which involves draining part of the eye to relieve pressure. A trabeculectomy is the most common surgical procedure used in the treatment of glaucoma. The specialist will make a small incision to remove part of the eye's trabecular meshwork to relieve pressure in the eye. ...

Visual impairment

Visual impairment can have many causes, either congenital, degenerative, due to disease or trauma.

Watery eyes

Watery eyes, also known as epiphora, is a condition where there is an overflow of tears onto the face. It is very common and can develop at any age, although it is more common in babies and people over the age of 60. It may affect one or both eyes and usually manages to get better without any treatment or, if need be, it can easily and effectively be treated.   What causes watery eyes? The causes of watery eyes are: Blocked tear ducts Some people are born with underdeveloped tear ducts and it is normal for newborn babies to have watering eyes, which clear up as the ducts develop. In adults and older children, the most common cause is blocked ducts or ducts that are too narrow. Narrowed ducts are a result of swelling or inflammation. If the tear ducts are blocked, the tears will build-up and not be able to drain. The build-up of tears in the tear sac increases the risk of an infection, meaning the eye will produce a sticky liquid. Overproduction of tears Eyes that become irritated may produce more tears than normal. The eyes can become irritated by a number of factors, including; some chemicals, such as fumes, infective or allergic conjunctivitis, an injury to the eyes, such as a scratch or from grit, from the eyelashes growing inward or to the lower eyelid turning outward. Other causes Watering eyes can result from an infection of the cornea (keratitis), an open sore on the front surface of the eye (corneal ulcer), styes, Bell’s palsy, dry eyes, allergies such as hay fever and the use of certain medications due to the preservatives as an ingredient. . Treatment of watery eyes In mild cases of watery eyes, the doctor may recommend ocular lubricants in the form of dry eye drops and monitor progress. Depending on the cause of watering eyes, there are different treatment options. For watery eyes caused by an irritation, if it does not clear up by itself then a course of antibiotics may be necessary. For blocked tear ducts, surgery may be required to create a new channel between the tear sacs to the inside of the nose. The surgical procedure is called dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR). Home remedies for watering eyes It is recommended to take a break from reading, computer or phone screens. Most dry eye drops are available to purchase over the counter at a pharmacy to keep the eyes lubricated. Holding a warm, damp cloth over the eyes may help to release any blockages also. Cleansing the eyelids with lid wipes or a saline solution can also help alleviate symptoms of dry eyes if linked with blepharitis. ...

See all

Other information about John Brookes

Source: All information contained on this page as well as office hours available, are provided directly by the doctor who has the ability to update them at all times in order to keep the information as accurate as possible.
  • BOOK AN APPOINTMENT NOW

  • Choose a time on the calendar to book online

    Sat
    21 Jul.     		Sun
    22 Jul.     		Mon
    23 Jul.     		Tue
    24 Jul.

    Request doctor's next available appointment

    Thursday 26th of July

  • Prices

    First consultation: £300
    Follow-up consultation: £200

  • Health insurances accepted

We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience. Click ‘Enter’ to continue browsing. Enter Cookies policy