Glaucoma Eye Surgery | ASG Eye Hospitals

1. Glaucoma Eye Surgery

2. What is Glaucoma? An eye disease that damages the optic nerve is termed Glaucoma. The optic nerve is responsible for supplying visual information to the brain. The damage to the optic nerve is caused by the high pressure in the eye. Medications may be used in the earlier stages but Glaucoma surgery treatment is usually performed to restore vision. It may result in irreversible loss of the visual field and it is found that Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in people over the age of 60.

3. Symptoms of Glaucoma The most commonly diagnosed type is open-angle glaucoma. It barely has any signs or symptoms except gradual vision loss. On the other hand, there is acute-angle closure glaucoma, also called narrow-angle glaucoma, which is a medical emergency. See an eye specialist immediately if you experience the following symptoms: • Severe pain in the forehead or the eye • Nausea and vomiting • Sudden vision disturbances in the eye • Redness of the eyes • Blind spots in the field of vision • Seeing halos

4. What is Glaucoma Eye Surgery? Glaucoma eye surgery is a procedure to reduce eye pressure and stabilize the vision to prevent loss of vision. Glaucoma surgery prevents vision loss. This procedure is performed by creating a new opening for fluid to drain from the eye or, by implanting a shunt to help drain the fluid. Though the surgery can lower eye pressure and help stabilize vision for a very long time, the doctor will still need to monitor your glaucoma during that time. Generally, Glaucoma surgery is a safe and painless procedure, but it all depends on the type of procedure and the doctor’s expectations for eye pressure recovery.

5. Types of Glaucoma Surgery • Trabeculectomy: This surgery is carried out by creating a small surgical incision to help the fluid drain and decrease intraocular pressure. • Shunts or implants: The shunt or implant help to replace the eye’s damaged draining thus reducing the eye pressure. • Glaucoma valve treatment: It is one of the latest glaucoma treatment techniques that helps in lowering intraocular pressure (IOP). • Glaucoma Laser Surgery: The laser surgery helps drain fluid out of the eye.

6. What to expect after the Surgery? There may be some blurriness in the operating eye during the immediate recovery period. Other side-effects may include: • Irritation • Redness • Tearing • Swelling • The feeling of a small object in the eye There is no significant pain after Glaucoma surgery treatment but you’ll need to wear an eye shield, a bandage or padding, to protect it from bumping or rubbing.

7. Glaucoma eye surgery recovery It takes about a month to fully recover from the surgery but most shorter recovery times last to 3 weeks and longer recovery times extend to 6 weeks. You will be following multiple appointments with your eye doctor to monitor the healing and to remove any cuts or stitches that were put at the time of surgery. You should get in touch with your doctor immediately as they could lead to infection: • Redness in the eye • Swelling • Additional pain in the eye • Decreasing vision

8. Precautions after Glaucoma surgery treatment To prevent your eyes from damage, avoid the following activities for the first few weeks of surgery: • Exercise, running, excessive exertion or lifting heavyweights • Bending or straining • Rubbing or pressing your eyes For safety against infections: • Swimming or using hot tubs • Wearing contaminated contact lenses • Applying face cream or makeup

9. Risks of Glaucoma Surgery • Vision loss: You might experience disruptions in your vision after the surgery but they are temporary. Intensive permanent loss is not a common side effect. • Bleeding: Bleeding inside the eye is a serious complication, and you need to consult your doctor immediately in such circumstances. • Infection: There are numerous reasons for infections and they can even occur after weeks of surgery. The ophthalmologist may prescribe you antibiotics to prevent these.

10. Types of Glaucoma • Open-Angle (Chronic) Glaucoma: It is the most common type of glaucoma. There are signs and symptoms other than gradual vision loss. • Angle-Closure (Acute) Glaucoma: In this case, the aqueous humor fluid is suddenly blocked and the rapid buildup of fluid may cause a quick, severe and painful increase in pressure. • Congenital Glaucoma: This type of glaucoma usually runs in families. It slows down or prevents normal fluid drainage in children and causes angle defects in their eyes.

11. Who is at risk of Glaucoma? • Age: People above the age of 60 are at a higher risk to develop glaucoma and the risk increases with each passing year. • Eye problems: Thin corneas and chronic eye inflammation can lead to raised pressure in the eyes. • Families: Some types of glaucoma like open-angle glaucoma runs in families. • Medical history: People with heart disease, diabetes or high blood pressure are at a higher risk of developing glaucoma.

12. Glaucoma Treatment at ASG Eye Hospitals These conditions might worsen the normal functioning of the eye and may result in severe consequences. But, don’t worry if you have such conditions. At ASG Eye Hospitals, we take pride in providing the best solutions for eye care to people irrespective of their awareness, knowledge and financial levels. The most optimal Glaucoma treatment at ASG encompass state-of-the-art equipment and highly experienced doctors.

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