What is glaucoma surgery?
Glaucoma surgery includes a group of procedures performed to reduce the pressure in your eye, which results from inadequate drainage of the fluid within the eye.
There are different types of glaucoma surgery, including trabeculectomy, a procedure that creates a new drainage channel in the eye to improve the outflow of fluid, and tube shunt surgery, which involves implanting a tiny drainage tube in the eye to bypass the clogged drainage system.
A new class of glaucoma surgery is being developed called ‘minimally invasive glaucoma surgery’ (MIGS). Ask your doctor about the quality of the evidence behind these procedures to ensure your care is evidence-based and supported by quality data.
Glaucoma surgery is typically performed under local anaesthesia and is an outpatient procedure. After the surgery, you will use eye drops to aid in the healing process.
It is essential to attend all post-operative follow-up appointments to monitor the progress of the surgery. You should avoid any strenuous activities or heavy lifting for several weeks after the operation.