Glaucoma Surgery: Understanding Your Options and What to Expect
Glaucoma is an eye condition characterised by increasing intraocular pressure (IOP). The increase in IOP is mainly caused by the accumulation of extra fluid inside the eye. The main worry with increasing pressure is the damage it causes to the optic nerve, which can result in vision loss or even blindness. Damage to the optic nerve is irreversible and is the main cause of blindness in adults over 60. However, early detection and treatment, such as glaucoma surgery, can often help avoid glaucoma-related visual loss and blindness. While it is impossible to anticipate how soon glaucoma will develop, those who have had an eye injury or have a family history of glaucoma are more likely to get this deadly eye illness.
What are the Symptoms of Glaucoma?
The most prevalent type of glaucoma is open-angle glaucoma (OAG), which causes no visible symptoms until irreversible damage has occurred. It is also known as the ‘Silent Thief of Sight.’
However, closed-angle glaucoma, a significantly more uncommon form of the illness, often appears with some or all of the following symptoms:
- Severe pain in the eye or forehead
- Blind spots in the peripheral vision
- Decreased or blurred vision
- Eye redness
- Nausea
- Headache
- Vomiting
When Should You Get Glaucoma Surgery?
The first line of defence in the treatment of glaucoma is reducing pressure in your eye. Prescription eye drops, oral medicines, and laser therapy are often used to accomplish this goal. However, patients with glaucoma may require eye surgery even if they properly follow all of their treatments. While surgery cannot restore lost eyesight, it can help safeguard your remaining vision and keep the problem from progressing.
Types of Glaucoma Surgery
Depending on the type and stage of glaucoma, a variety of surgical options are available. Your doctor will recommend the type of surgery you require based on several factors. Following the surgery, patients are normally observed for a brief period of time to verify that there are no acute issues before being discharged with post-operative instructions and medications. Follow-up consultations are scheduled to evaluate the healing process of the eye and confirm that the operation adequately manages the intraocular pressure (IOP). The specifics may differ depending on the type of glaucoma surgery performed, the patient’s overall health, potential issues, and the surgeon’s preference.
Some of the most common ones are:
- Trabeculectomy
A surgical device makes a small opening in the sclera or sidewall of the eye, establishing a new pathway for fluid flow.
- Minimal Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)
MIGS, as the name implies, refers to a group of minimally invasive surgical treatments that often employ microscopic-sized equipment and tiny incisions. These approaches provide an intermediary step between medicinal treatment (eye drops) and more invasive surgical procedures.
Tube shunt surgery
The primary purpose of this procedure, which is usually reserved for patients whose glaucoma has not responded to conventional therapies such as eye drops, laser therapy, or classic trabeculectomy surgery, is to lower IOP by introducing a tube and reservoir device into the eye to drain aqueous fluid.
Before Surgery
- Your eye specialist will schedule a pre-operative visit with you to examine your medical history, take eye measurements, and discuss the surgical procedure.
- Antibiotic eye drops may be provided for many days before surgery to avoid infection.
- Before surgery, your eye specialist may advise you to stop taking certain drugs, such as aspirin, blood thinners, anti-inflammatories, or vitamins.
Recovery Following Glaucoma Surgery
Post-operative care after glaucoma surgery is not only necessary but also vital. The healing phase is equally vital to the surgery’s success. Patients who do not exercise strict post-operative care are more likely to contract infections and other problems, which may negate the surgical benefits and potentially cause further vision degradation. Following your eye specialist‘s instructions is critical for optimal results.
- Take all recommended drugs, including eye drops, as directed to avoid infection and reduce irritation.
- Excessive lifting, bending, and rigorous exercise might raise ocular pressure. Consult your doctor to determine when you can resume normal activities.
- Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun and other potential irritants, such as dust.
- Attend all post-operative appointments so that your doctor can monitor your recovery and prevent complications.
- Redness, extreme pain, or blurred vision may suggest an issue. If you notice any strange symptoms, contact your eye specialist right away.
Glaucoma surgery is an important procedure that can help avoid additional visual loss. Being knowledgeable about the operation and following recovery guidelines will help the healing process go more smoothly. Always consult with your ophthalmologist to determine the best treatment choices for your disease.
Get in Touch with Asia Pacific Eye Centre for Your Glaucoma Treatment
Asia Pacific Eye Centre (APEC) is an eye speciality facility at Gleneagles Hospital in Singapore. They were founded in 2007 and have been helping patients ever since. APEC is a well-established centre that provides a wide range of eye surgical procedures, including LASIK, Epi-LASIK, Implantable Contact Lenses (ICL), Phacoemulsification and Intraocular Lens Implantation (Cataract Surgery). Their doctors have already conducted nearly 20,000 surgeries. Aside from procedures, they have extensive experience diagnosing and treating a variety of eye problems, including age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, refractive errors, and retinal tears and detachment. If you are searching for a reliable eye doctor in Singapore, reach out to them today!