Glaucoma Procedure

Glaucoma affects the optic nerve, and it must be managed quickly unless it might lead to vision loss.

There are several types of glaucoma procedures, depending on the type:

• Laser trabeculoplasty: It’s a simple procedure that’s done by a laser to target the blockage in the drainage system in the eyes.
• Laser peripheral iridotomy: A laser is used to make a tiny hole in the iris (the colored ring in the eye) to drain the fluid.
• Cyclophotocoagulation: It uses a laser to make the ciliary body produce less fluid in the eyes.
• Incisional surgeries for glaucoma:

• Trabeculectomy: The traditional filtering surgery. The surgeon makes a tiny incision in the sclera (the white part of the eye) and damages a part of the trabecular meshwork to drain the fluid, therefore, the eye pressure reduces.
• A tube shunt: The surgeon implants a small tube in an opening into the eye to drain the fluid.
• Minimally invasive surgery: The incisions here are smaller and recover faster.

The anesthesia type differs depending on the type of glaucoma procedure. It’s local when a laser is used and general in incisional surgeries.

Usually, the procedure takes a few minutes when a laser is used, while in incisional surgeries, it takes about an hour, and the patient can return home the same day anyway.

• Before the procedure, the doctor makes a thorough eye exam to check its health and choose a suitable procedure type, in addition to making sure that the patient is eligible for the procedure.
• The patient mustn’t have eaten for a period of time before the procedure, depending on its type.
• The patient must avoid blood thinners (anticoagulant medications) for a period of time.

• Low eye pressure that causes blurred vision.
• Cataract.
• Problems in the cornea (a tissue that covers the frontal part of the eye and protects the interior. It also has an important role in the vision).
• Vision loss.
• In incisional surgeries: Bleeding, fluid leakage, and infections.

• A bandage is placed on the eyes to protect them for a period of time as the doctor recommends.
• You must stick to the prescribed eye drops and medications.
• You mustn’t touch, press, or rub the eyes.
• Immediately contact your doctor when any sudden, odd problem or symptoms emerge.
• Full recovery depends on the type of procedure. When a laser is used, the patient can return to their normal activities on the same day, while in incisional surgeries, the patient mustn’t engage in violent activities or lift heavy things for about a month.