Glaucoma is a common eye condition where the optic nerve (which connects the eye to the brain) becomes damaged due to fluid building up in the front part of the eye, which increases the pressure inside the eye. Glaucoma can lead to loss of vision if it’s not diagnosed and treated early.
Cataract surgery is advised when other conservative measures have failed to improve the condition.
The most common type of surgery for glaucoma is called trabeculectomy. It involves removing part of the eye-drainage tubes to allow fluid to drain more easily.
Other types of glaucoma surgery include:
- Trabeculotomy – similar to trabeculectomy, but an electric current is used to remove a small part of the eye-drainage tubes
- Viscocanalostomy – part of the white outer covering of the eyeball (the sclera) is removed so fluid can drain from your eye more easily
- Deep sclerectomy – the drainage tubes in your eye are widened, sometimes by implanting a tiny device inside them
- Trabecular stent bypass – a tiny tube is placed into your eye to increase the drainage of fluid
Glaucoma surgery can be carried out under local or general anaesthesia.
After surgery, your eye might water and be red, and your vision may be slightly blurred for up to 6 weeks but should return to normal.
After surgery, you will be advised to keep your eyes dry and avoid driving, reading and heavy lifting for at least a week.
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