Surgery
Glaucoma Surgery
Glaucoma surgery lowers the pressure inside the eye to protect the optic nerve and prevent further sight loss when drops or laser are not enough.
Quick answer
Glaucoma Surgery: what it is, why it's done and what happens
Glaucoma surgery creates a new drainage route or reduces fluid production in the eye to lower pressure. Options include trabeculectomy, drainage tubes and minimally invasive glaucoma procedures.
- Why it is done: It is used when eye pressure remains too high despite drops and laser treatment, or when glaucoma is progressing and threatening vision, to preserve the sight that remains.
- What happens: Usually under local anaesthetic, the surgeon creates a controlled drainage channel or inserts a tiny device to help fluid leave the eye.
What it is
Glaucoma surgery creates a new drainage route or reduces fluid production in the eye to lower pressure. Options include trabeculectomy, drainage tubes and minimally invasive glaucoma procedures.
Why it is done
It is used when eye pressure remains too high despite drops and laser treatment, or when glaucoma is progressing and threatening vision, to preserve the sight that remains.
What happens
Usually under local anaesthetic, the surgeon creates a controlled drainage channel or inserts a tiny device to help fluid leave the eye. The procedure typically takes under an hour.
Recovery
Several eye drops are used afterwards, and follow-up is frequent at first to adjust healing and pressure. Vision may be blurred for some weeks, and heavy lifting and eye rubbing are avoided.
Good to know
Risks and things to consider
Risks include infection, bleeding, too low or too high pressure, cataract formation and scarring that reduces the effect. Surgery aims to protect remaining vision but cannot restore sight already lost.
Education and reference only. This explains the procedure in general terms and is not medical advice. Your own care, risks and recovery will be explained by the team looking after you.
Answers
Glaucoma Surgery: frequently asked questions
Will glaucoma surgery restore my vision?
No. Surgery lowers eye pressure to prevent further damage and protect the sight you still have, but it cannot recover vision that has already been lost to glaucoma.
Will I still need eye drops after surgery?
Often the need for drops is reduced or removed, but some people still require them to keep pressure controlled. Your ophthalmologist will review this at follow-up.
Related
Other surgery
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Tests and treatments
- NICE — procedure and treatment guidance
- Relevant Royal College / professional body
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