Glaucoma Surgery

A procedure to treat glaucoma by releasing pressure inside the eye. There are two common methods: laser and incisional.

The eye is normally bathed by the aqueous humor, a clear fluid that flows in and out of the eye chamber. In glaucoma, this fluid drains too slowly out of the eye. As the fluid builds up, pressure inside the eye increases. If this pressure is not controlled, it can cause damage to the optic nerve and other parts of the eye, and loss of vision. It is important to note that while glaucoma surgery may save your remaining vision, it does not improve or restore sight.

Parts of the Body Involved

Eye (lens, conjunctiva, iris, sclera)

Reasons for Procedure

To release the amount of pressure in the eye
To reduce and/or prevent loss of vision

Risk Factors for Complications during the Procedure

Obesity
Smoking
Diabetes
Recent or chronic illness
Heavy bleeding
Infection

What to Expect

Prior to Procedure:

Continue to take your eye drops
If you are having the incisional technique, do not take aspirin, aspirin-containing products, or anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., ibuprofen) 10 days before the procedure
Arrange for a ride to and from the procedure

During Procedure

Outcome

Laser surgery can successfully relieve intraocular pressure, but the effects can wear off over time. The pressure increases again in more than half of all patients two years after the initial laser surgery. In most cases, medications are still necessary to control and maintain eye pressure, but surgery may lessen the amount of medication needed.

Call Your Doctor If Any of the Following Occurs

Signs of infection, including fever and chills
Sudden change in vision
Sharp pain or blood in your eye
Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or discharge in the surgical area
Cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, or severe nausea or vomiting