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Glaucoma Surgery

When is Surgery A Viable Option For Treating Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often caused by too much pressure inside the eye. While surgery is not the first option for treatment, it may be necessary when other treatments fail. The goal of glaucoma surgery is to lower intraocular pressure by increasing fluid drainage.

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Home » Eye Care Services » Eye Disease Diagnosis and Management » Glaucoma Surgery

While medicated eye drops are often prescribed to lower pressure levels, they may not be effective for everyone, particularly in cases of high pressure or when the side effects of medication outweigh the benefits. In such situations, glaucoma surgery may be necessary.

If sugery is recommended, our team of expert eye doctors in Glenn Dale, MD, may recommend glaucoma surgery.

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The Most Common Types Of Glaucoma Surgery

One of the most common types of glaucoma surgery is minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS).

MIGS is less invasive than traditional glaucoma surgery and is typically performed on an outpatient basis, lasting around 10-15 minutes.

It includes procedures such as

  • Trabecular micro-bypass surgery
  • Canaloplasty

Other types of glaucoma surgery can include laser surgeries, such as

  • Argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT),
  • Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT)
  • Laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI)
  • Cyclo photocoagulation.

These procedures aim to open blockages in the eye and create tiny holes to facilitate fluid drainage.

Conventional Non-Laser Glaucoma Surgery

If laser surgery is ineffective, conventional non-laser glaucoma surgeries may be required. These include.

  • Trabeculectomy
  • Drainage implant surgery
  • Electrocautery

Trabeculectomy involves removing some of the inner tissue mesh to facilitate fluid drainage.

Drainage implant surgery involves inserting a tiny tube inside the eye to help with fluid drainage.

Electrocautery uses a heated device to relieve fluid pressure.

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What Are The Risks Associated With Glaucoma Surgery?

What Are The Benefits of Glaucoma Surgery?

While laser surgeries for glaucoma have minimal recovery time, they may come with some side effects, including:

  • Swelling
  • Soreness
  • Dry eye
  • Scratched cornea
  • Blurry vision

Invasive surgeries like trabeculectomy and implant surgery have more risks and require longer recovery times.

Our team of compassionate eye doctors in Glenn Dale, MD, are happy to discuss the potential risks and benefits to help you find the best treatment option.

Studies have shown that in older patients, glaucoma filtering surgery has a success rate of 70-90% for at least one year, as documented in most studies with one-year follow-ups.

If other glaucoma treatments are unsuccessful or unsuitable, then glaucoma surgery could be the solution, and it can help protect your optic nerve and prevent vision loss.

Glaucoma surgery can be repeated if your eye’s opening closes again after your initial surgery. While surgery may not restore the vision you’ve lost because of glaucoma, it can help protect your remaining vision.

Routine, comprehensive eye exams are critical for detecting and treating glaucoma, so schedule your appointment today.

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Serving Opthalmology Patients From:

College Park | Glenn Dale | Washington, D.C | Bowie | and throughout MD

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