When you are told you may need glaucoma surgery, it is natural to have questions. What happens prior to surgery?Is it a painful procedure? When will I feel better? When will I be able to return to my normal routines? The purpose of the surgery on glaucoma is to control the pressure inside your eyes and prevent further damage to your optic nerve. Getting to know what to expect from the process at every step can make the procedure easier for you. In case you need professional assistance for your eyes, you may seek help from an experienced ophthalmologist at a reputable center such as Sarvesh Health City, Best Eye Hospital In Hisar.
What is Glaucoma Surgery and When is it Needed?
Glaucoma is a group of diseases that damage the optic nerve in the eye and can cause vision loss or blindness. If left untreated the disease can slowly damage vision.
Many people with glaucoma can manage their eye pressure with prescribed eye drops, medications or laser treatment.In cases where these treatments fail to provide enough control on the pressure, the doctor might suggest the patient go under surgery.
The primary purpose of a glaucoma surgery is to facilitate better drainage of fluids from the eye or to open up an alternative pathway for fluid outflow from the eye.
What to Expect Prior to Glaucoma Surgery
Your eye doctor will do a complete eye exam before your surgery. Your doctor may examine your eye pressure, optic nerve, visual field and other aspects of your eye health.
You will also be asked about your medical history and any regular medicines you take. Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements you take.
Your doctor will tell you:
- Why surgery is recommended
- What surgery is right for me?
- Potential benefits and risks
- Anesthesia used type
- Medicines you may need after your surgery
- Expected time to recover
- What to avoid doing in your recovery
You may also be given special instructions about your regular eye drops or other medicines. Do not stop or change any medication without your doctor’s approval.
Preparing for glaucoma surgery: what you need to know
A big part of preparing is doing what your doctor told you to do before surgery.
Before the operation
You may be given instructions about eating, drinking and taking medicines, depending on the procedure and your general health.
It’s also helpful to arrange a ride home, as your vision may be temporarily blurred after the procedure and it’s not safe to drive.
Wear comfortable clothing on the day of surgery and do not wear eye makeup or any other products around the eyes unless instructed by your medical team.
What happens in glaucoma surgery?
The exact procedure depends on the type and severity of glaucoma, and your previous treatment.
Glaucoma surgery is usually done under local or some other appropriate form of anesthesia, thus avoiding pain during the operation. You will usually be awake but should not feel major discomfort.
Various surgical techniques may be employed. Traditional procedures such as trabeculectomy create a new drainage channel for fluid. Selected patients may be treated with glaucoma drainage devices. Depending on the condition, some patients may be candidates for minimally invasive glaucoma surgery.
Your eye doctor will select a procedure based on your eye pressure, type of glaucoma, condition of the optic nerve and general eye health.
How long the operation will take depends on the operation. Your medical team will tell you what to expect before the operation.
Does Glaucoma Surgery Hurt?
Most patients do not experience significant pain because during glaucoma surgery the eye is kept comfortable with anesthesia.
Some people may experience mild discomfort, irritation, watering or a sensation of something in the eye after surgery. You may notice these symptoms as your eye heals.
Your doctor may give you medicines or eye drops to control inflammation, prevent infection and to help healing. But if you have severe or increasing pain, call your eye doctor right away.
What happens right after glaucoma surgery?
After the procedure, you will be monitored for a period of time and then sent home. A protective shield or dressing may be placed over your eye.
You may experience temporary blurred vision and your eye may be red or feel slightly irritated. These symptoms do not indicate that anything has gone wrong, but your doctor will continue to monitor your eye at future appointments.
Follow the care instructions closely for your recovery after surgery, and take your eye drops as directed.
What Is Glaucoma Surgery Recovery Time?
“Everyone recovers differently, and it is contingent upon what type of surgery was performed.
In the early recovery period your ophthalmologist may recommend avoiding activities that can put pressure on the eye. This may include heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, bending over for long periods, or swimming for a certain period of time.
You should also not rub or press on the operated eye.
It’s very important to go to your follow-up appointments after glaucoma surgery. Your doctor will check the eye pressure and how well the eye is healing. The doses of the medication may be adjusted according to your progress.
The main goal of glaucoma surgery is to control eye pressure and preserve any remaining vision. It doesn't generally bring back vision that has been lost permanently from glaucoma.
How Soon Can You Return to Normal Activities After Glaucoma Surgery?
Everyone's recovery timeline is different. Some daily life activities can be resumed relatively soon, others may need to be avoided for longer.
Your doctor will tell you when it is safe to:
- Activity work out
- Back to work
- Lift heavy weights Swim
- Do eye makeup
It’s important not to rush your recovery just because your eye starts feeling better. The eye may still be healing inside the tissues.
What Warning Signs After Surgery?
As you recover you may experience some redness, tearing and mild discomfort. However, some symptoms require immediate medical attention.
If you notice: Contact your eye doctor
Severe or worsening pain in the eye
- Sudden blindness
- More puffy or red
- Marked drainage from the eye.
- Sudden increase of floaters, new flashes
- Any post-op symptom that worries you
Getting prompt medical attention may help detect and treat possible complications.
Why are follow-up visits important after glaucoma surgery?
Follow up care is an important part of the treatment of glaucoma. Surgery does not mean glaucoma is gone forever.
You will still need to have regular eye pressure checks and may still need to use eye drops or have other treatment after the surgery. Your eye doctor will see you regularly to see how well the surgery is working and to change your treatment if needed.
What are the Long-Term Expectations After Glaucoma Surgery?
The long-term goal of glaucoma treatment is to preserve useful vision and maintain a healthy eye. Surgery may help control eye pressure, but you still need to keep close watch on it.
Each patient’s situation is different so the expected outcome depends on the type and severity of the glaucoma, the amount of damage to the optic nerve that has already occurred and the response to treatment.
If you have been referred for glaucoma surgery, talking over your concerns with your ophthalmologist can help you to understand the procedure and recovery process clearly.
Conclusion
Understanding what happens before, during and after glaucoma surgery can help you to better understand the treatment process. All of these play a significant role in the process of recovery and maintaining healthy eyes in the future.
In case you have any doubts regarding glaucoma or need to undergo surgery for it, consultation from the professionals at the Best Eye Hospital In Hisar, Sarvesh Health City can prove very beneficial for you.
