What To Expect After Glaucoma Surgery

Lots of folks can have increased eye pressure without necessarily having glaucoma. However, when you do have glaucoma, the pressure inside your eye, called intraocular pressure (IOP), increases to levels that cause optic nerve damage. This damage can often lead to vision loss, and the more severe cases of glaucoma require surgery. If you are wondering what to expect after glaucoma surgery, let the specialists at Eye Consultants of Pennsylvania inform you.

Glaucoma Surgery

Anyone can get glaucoma, and the severity of the disease can differ in each individual. Left untreated, glaucoma will certainly lead to vision problems and eventual blindness in some cases. There is no cure for glaucoma, so early diagnosis is definitely key. At early stages, our doctors may be able to control the pressure with medications, but surgery may eventually be necessary.

Surgery stabilizes pressure and prevents future vision loss. There are two types of surgical procedures – conventional surgery and laser surgery. The conventional surgery is called filtering microsurgery or trabeculectomy, and our surgeons typically do this surgery in cases of very high IOP or severe optic nerve damage. It is used for both forms of glaucoma, open-angle and closed-angle glaucoma. Basically, the surgeon creates a passageway in the white part of the eye (the sclera) to give excess eye fluid a drainage route. This surgery can take several weeks to months for recovery.

Instead, our surgeons prefer to use the laser surgery technique for glaucoma. This surgery is designed to enhance the drainage capabilities of the eye and therefore reduce IOP. The surgeon uses a laser to create small changes in the eye’s drainage system. This in turn allows fluid to more easily drain and therefore reduces the intraocular pressure. If the pressure in your eye begins to rise again, our surgeons may recommend the conventional surgery.

What Is Recovery Like?

For laser surgery, the recovery time is usually only a few days. For a couple of weeks, you will have to limit strenuous activities like lifting and bending and have regular checkups with the surgeon to ensure your eyes are healing properly. We will look for redness, irritation, and signs of infection.

Laser surgery is a highly effective treatment option, and it is the procedure our surgeons generally recommend in the vast majority of cases we see.

Glaucoma surgery rarely has complications, but sometimes we do see an excessive increase or decrease in IOP. However, this condition can be properly managed. Some patients may develop cataracts after laser glaucoma surgery. While glaucoma does not cause cataracts, the conventional surgery sometimes accelerates cataract formation in some patients.

Glaucoma Is Unique in Each Patient

Each patient’s risk factors for glaucoma are unique. Age and ethnicity as well as lifestyle factors and other health conditions all contribute to whether you will have glaucoma and if you do, how severe it is.

Our glaucoma surgeons will work with you to find the best treatment options and learn what to expect after surgery. At Eye Consultants of Pennsylvania, we use the latest advancements in glaucoma treatment and technology. We have a high patient satisfaction level because we achieve outstanding results with safe and effective laser surgery. Make your appointment today to meet one of our glaucoma specialists and discover how we can make your world a brighter, clearer place.