Glaucoma

Glaucoma Surgery in India - Treatment Options to Protect Your Vision

Glaucoma is a condition that damages the optic nerve, often due to high pressure inside the eye. This short explains the surgical options available to manage the condition and preserve sight.

The goal of glaucoma surgery

Surgery for glaucoma aims to lower the pressure inside your eye (intraocular pressure).

• Lowering pressure. The main goal is to reduce eye pressure to a level that is less likely to cause further damage to the optic nerve.
• Improving drainage. Most procedures work by creating a new pathway for the fluid inside your eye, called aqueous humour, to drain away more easily.
• Preserving vision. Surgery cannot restore vision that has already been lost, but it can help to prevent further vision loss by controlling the eye pressure.
• Reducing medication. A successful operation may reduce or eliminate your need for daily glaucoma eye drops.

Types of glaucoma surgery

The type of surgery recommended depends on the type and severity of your glaucoma, and your general eye health.

• Trabeculectomy. This is a common procedure where the surgeon creates a small flap in the white of the eye to allow fluid to drain out.
• Glaucoma drainage devices. Also known as shunts or valves, these are small tubes implanted in the eye to help drain fluid and lower pressure.
• Minimally-invasive surgery (MIGS). MIGS procedures use microscopic devices to reduce eye pressure. They are generally less invasive than traditional surgery.
• Laser treatment. Laser trabeculoplasty is a less invasive option that uses a laser to improve the drainage of fluid from the eye. It can be a first-line treatment.

What to expect after surgery

• Recovery period. Your eye will be red and may feel uncomfortable for some time. You will be given eye drops to prevent infection and reduce inflammation.
• Follow-up appointments. Regular check-ups are essential to monitor your eye pressure and the healing process. These are very frequent in the first few weeks.
• Activity restrictions. You may need to avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and swimming for several weeks to allow your eye to heal properly.
• Vision changes. Your vision may be blurry for a period after the surgery. This usually improves as the eye heals.

The suitability of any glaucoma surgery depends on your specific case, the type and stage of your glaucoma, and your overall health. An ophthalmic surgeon can only make a recommendation after a full review of your medical reports and recent eye examinations.