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Medical Video: Glaucoma Surgery
Definition
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a common disease that causes damage to the optic nerve. Glaucoma surgery can reduce the risk of further damage to the optic nerve. The optic nerve carries images from the retina to the brain, so you can see. Glaucoma is a collection of several conditions that cause damage to your optic nerve. Glaucoma occurs in 1 in 50 people over 40 years. Glaucoma can cause loss of vision. Glaucoma can be caused by increased pressure on the eye when the circulation of eye fluid is impaired. Sometimes the optic nerve can also be damaged even though the eye pressure is normal.
When do I need to have glaucoma surgery?
Surgery can reduce pressure on the eyeball by opening a closed drainage angle or making a hole so that eye fluid can come out. Surgery can also reduce pain caused by glaucoma.
Prevention & warning
What do I need to know before undergoing glaucoma surgery?
Treatment will be tried first before surgery is considered. Laser surgery is usually the first operation to be tried. If laser surgery is not successful, the doctor will try conventional surgery. Trabeculectomy can be combined with surgery for cataract removal.
Are there alternatives other than surgery?
Eye drops can reduce eye pressure. Lasers can be done, but the results are not as effective as surgery.
Process
What should I do before undergoing glaucoma surgery?
Discuss with your doctor about medications you are taking, allergies, or other health conditions before undergoing surgery. Before surgery, arrange a meeting schedule with your anesthesia. It is important for you to follow the doctor's instructions to stop eating or drinking before surgery. You will be given instructions before surgery, such as whether you are allowed to eat before surgery.
What is the process of glaucoma surgery?
There are several choices of anesthesia techniques. Surgery usually lasts 45 to 75 minutes. The surgeon will make a small hole in the white layer of your eye. Eye fluid will come out on the outer layer of the eye which is then accommodated under your eyelids.
What should I do after undergoing glaucoma surgery?
You are allowed to go home a few hours after surgery. You may need to visit your surgeon for the first few weeks and may make minor adjustments. In general, you need to take work leave for 2 weeks. Avoid swimming, lifting heavy objects, or lowering your head below the waist before allowing your surgeon. Exercising can help you return to your normal activities. Consult your doctor first. Some patients experience rapid recovery, due to good control.
Complications
What complications can occur?
The most common problem after undergoing trabeculectomy is a wound in the hole that can block the discharge of fluid from the eye and interfere with the function of the pharynx. If the browser does not work, other operations may be needed. Mitomycin is often used to prevent injuries. Mitomycin is more commonly used than 5-fluorouracil, but cannot be used after surgery. 5-fluorouracil can be used during surgery or injected into thin tissue (conjunctiva) which lines the eyes after surgery, to avoid injury.
Other complications that can occur after surgery:
● blurred vision
● eye bleeding
● sudden and permanent loss of central vision. This depends on how much vision is lost before surgery
● eye infection
● high pressure on the eyes, causing malignant glaucoma. This case is rarely found
Long-term complications after trabeculectomy include:
● cataracts are more severe than before surgery
● nerve changes behind the eyes associated with glaucoma
● eyes glazed (a slight drop in the eyelid is normal)
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
