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Glaucoma surgery
What does glaucoma surgery involve?
Glaucoma surgery encompasses different surgical techniques aimed at slowing down or stopping the evolution of this chronic eye disease. The aim of the surgery is to prevent the visual limitation from progressing and becoming more severe, as the damage that has already been done to the optic nerve is irreparable and the vision loss cannot be recovered. In order to slow down the evolution of the disease, the different types of glaucoma surgeries seek to reduce intraocular pressure levels.
Ocular hypertension is the main modifiable risk factor for this pathology and generally occurs because the liquid inside the eye (aqueous humour) does not drain properly, presses on the optic nerve and ends up damaging it. Some glaucoma patients do not have ocular hypertension, although, in these cases as well, lowering the pressure helps to protect the optic nerve from more rapid and severe deterioration.
Techniques
Glaucoma surgery has evolved a lot recently and, although a few years ago it was reserved for advanced cases of the disease, it can now be performed at an earlier stage, thanks to less invasive procedures that reduce the risk of complications. This is a field of ophthalmic surgery in constant evolution, which requires a team trained in the application of the latest techniques and implants.
These are the main surgical solutions for glaucoma that we offer you at Miranza’s clinics, based on a customised assessment and indication:
Eye diseases treated
Surgery is usually indicated when treatment for glaucoma with eye drops is poorly tolerated or insufficient to keep intraocular pressure at bay. Another alternative prior to surgery can be an in-office laser treatment.
Recovery
You may notice blurred vision and eye discomfort during the first weeks, although recovery will vary depending on the technique used and the response of each patient.
A postoperative follow-up, especially in the first month after surgery, is very important to monitor the healing process of the eye. This occurs as a reaction of the body itself to the new pathways opened in the eye structures to facilitate the drainage of the aqueous humour, which can close and make the surgery less effective, even if we have performed it successfully.
The risk of closure is always present, even years after the surgery. Therefore, if you have had glaucoma surgery, it is important that you maintain regular control of your intraocular pressure with your ophthalmologist. This will enable us to determine whether it is necessary at any time to start a maintenance drug treatment or to perform a new surgery. In fact, you should know that it is common for patients with complex glaucoma to require a second or even a third surgery.
Do not hesitate to contact us to offer you our support and advice on glaucoma.
Risks
Frequently Asked Questions
Surgery may be considered when treatment with eye drops or laser does not adequately control intraocular pressure, when damage to the optic nerve is progressing, or when the characteristics of the glaucoma make surgery advisable. The indication is individualized for each patient.
There are various surgical procedures to treat glaucoma, from minimally invasive techniques to filtering surgery or drainage devices. The choice depends on the type and severity of glaucoma, intraocular pressure and the response to previous treatments.
MIGS techniques are minimally invasive surgical procedures designed to help aqueous humor drain out and reduce intraocular pressure. They may be indicated in certain patients, especially when the aim is to reduce the need for medication or control pressure in selected cases.
Yes. When drug treatment or laser is not enough, various surgical techniques can be used to reduce intraocular pressure. The specific technique depends on the type of glaucoma and the characteristics of the eye.
In certain patients, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery techniques, known as MIGS, can be used. These procedures aim to improve the drainage of aqueous humor and control intraocular pressure through less invasive procedures than some traditional surgeries.
The aim of glaucoma surgery is to help aqueous humor drain out and reduce intraocular pressure. Depending on the technique, it can be performed using minimally invasive procedures, filtering surgery or drainage devices. The ophthalmologist will select the most appropriate option according to the patient’s characteristics.
The length of glaucoma surgery depends on the technique used and the characteristics of the eye. The procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis, although the total time at the center may be longer than the operation itself due to preparation and subsequent checks.
Glaucoma surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia, so the patient should not feel pain during the procedure. Afterwards, discomfort, a foreign body sensation, watering or sensitivity to light may occur during the recovery period.
Glaucoma surgery does not reverse damage already done to the optic nerve, but it can help control intraocular pressure and reduce the risk of progression. The patient must continue to have eye examinations after the procedure.
Recovery depends on the technique used and each patient’s characteristics. During the first few weeks there may be fluctuating vision, discomfort or redness. It is essential to use the prescribed medication correctly and attend check-ups to monitor progress and intraocular pressure.
Visual recovery after glaucoma surgery varies. There may be temporary blurred vision during the first few days or weeks, and stabilization may take longer depending on the technique and how the eye progresses.
Returning to usual activities depends on the surgical technique and how the eye progresses. The ophthalmologist will tell you when it is safe to resume activities such as driving, exercising or physical exertion and will set out the necessary precautions during recovery.