Glaucoma Surgery

Overview

Glaucoma is a serious eye condition that damages the optic nerve often due to increased eye pressure. If left untreated it can lead to vision loss. While medications and eye drops can help manage the condition sometimes glaucoma surgery is needed to lower the pressure and protect vision. There are different glaucoma treatments including laser surgery for glaucoma and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery which are designed to improve fluid drainage from the eye.

Why Glaucoma Surgery is Required?

Surgery is recommended when other treatments such as eye drops or oral medications fail to control eye pressure effectively.

It is especially necessary for older adults with advanced glaucoma, where surgery can prevent further vision loss.

Glaucoma Surgery can fix glaucoma for older adults, while it cannot reverse vision loss, it can slow down or stop further damage.

Key Advantages of Glaucoma Surgery

• Reduces Eye Pressure: Helps drain excess fluid and lowers intraocular pressure.
• Prevents Vision Loss: Slows down the progression of glaucoma.
• Long Term Relief: Unlike eye drops surgery offers a more permanent solution.
• Minimally Invasive Options Available: Procedures like laser glaucoma surgery require minimal recovery time.

How Should You Prepare Yourself Before Taking Glaucoma Surgery Treatment?

Follow your doctor’s advice about stopping certain medications before surgery.

Eat light meals before surgery as per your doctor's instructions.

Avoid wearing eye makeup or lotions on the day of surgery.

How Glaucoma Surgery is Performed?

There are different glaucoma procedures but the common ones include:

• Laser Procedure for Glaucoma: A painless quick procedure using laser technology to improve fluid drainage.
• Trabeculectomy (Glaucoma Eye Surgery): A traditional glaucoma operation that creates a new drainage channel.
• Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS): A safer newer option with faster recovery.

Your doctor will decide which option suits your condition best.

What You Can Expect?

1. Before the Procedure

You will receive numbing eye drops or mild sedation.

The doctor will explain the procedure and answer your questions.

2. During the Procedure

The procedure usually takes 10-45 minutes.

Depending on the glaucoma surgery type your doctor may use a laser or create a small drainage hole.

You would not feel pain but may sense slight pressure.

3. After the Procedure

Your vision may be blurry for a few days.

Avoid rubbing your eyes.

Sleep with your head elevated and avoid pressing on the treated eye.

Attend follow up visits to ensure proper healing.

Risk and Potential Complications

Like any glaucoma medical procedure, there are some risks:

Temporary blurry vision

Infection or inflammation

Increased eye pressure (rare)

Need for additional surgery

Results/Outcomes

• Lowered Eye Pressure: Helps control intraocular pressure, reducing the risk of further optic nerve damage.
• Slows Down Vision Loss: While it cannot restore lost vision it prevents further deterioration and protects remaining sight.
• Long Term Solution: Unlike eye drops, many surgical options provide a more lasting reduction in eye pressure.
• Improved Quality of Life: Reduces dependency on medications and frequent doctor visits.
• Safe and Effective: Most glaucoma surgeries have a high success rate with minimal complications.
• Fast Recovery with Modern Techniques: Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) and laser surgery for glaucoma offer quicker healing times.
• Can Be Combined with Cataract Surgery: If needed glaucoma cataract surgery can be performed together for better overall eye health.