Has your doctor told you that your eye pressure is high, that you have glaucoma, and that you may need surgery? It's normal to feel a little scared and anxious when you hear these words. We all get a little more sensitive when it comes to our eyes. But don't be afraid. Medical science is very advanced these days. Today we're talking about what glaucoma surgeries are, how they're done, and whether you should be afraid of them.
What is glaucoma? What happens after surgery?
Simply put, glaucoma is a condition that damages the optic nerve, which connects our eyes to our brain. The main cause of this is increased pressure inside the eye.
Imagine, a fluid called 'Aqueous humor' is constantly being produced inside our eyes, and it also flows out of the eye. This is like a water tank filling up with water, but water flows out the other side. If there is any obstruction in the outflow of this fluid, the fluid accumulates inside the eye and the pressure increases. This increased pressure is what damages the delicate optic nerve.
There are two main goals of glaucoma surgery:
1. Creating a new path for the fluid that accumulates inside the eye to drain easily.
2. Otherwise, reducing the amount of fluid produced inside the eye.
The goal of surgery, using either of these two methods, is to reduce eye pressure and prevent further damage to the optic nerve.
What are the main types of glaucoma surgery?
Glaucoma surgery can be divided into two main categories: laser surgery and incisional surgery. Your eye surgeon will decide which method is best for you, depending on your condition.
| Type of surgery | A short description |
|---|---|
| 1. Laser Surgeries - Usually performed in the doctor's office | |
| Laser Trabeculoplasty | A more common procedure. Laser light is directed at the trabecular meshwork, which filters fluid in the eye, removing blockages and facilitating fluid flow. |
| Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI) | The laser makes a very small hole in the iris, the colored part of the eye, to facilitate fluid movement. |
| Cyclophotocoagulation (CPC) | The laser is directed at the part of the eye that produces fluid (ciliary body), reducing fluid production. |
| 2. Incisional Surgeries - Usually performed in an operating room | |
| Trabeculectomy | A traditional procedure. A small opening is made in the white part of the eye (sclera) to create a new path for fluid to drain. |
| Tube Shunt | A very small, flexible tube (shunt) is inserted into the eye to drain the fluid. |
| MIGS (Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery) | The latest technology. Surgeries performed using very small instruments and through very small incisions. Fast recovery. |
A little more about laser surgery
Laser surgery is a relatively painless procedure that can often be completed in a few minutes. The newest form of laser trabeculoplasty is SLT (Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty). This can be repeated if necessary. It is sometimes recommended as the first treatment for glaucoma. The LPI procedure is especially used for closed-angle glaucoma.
A little more about incisional surgeries
These are usually done when glaucoma cannot be controlled with laser treatment or medication. But with the latest method, `MIGS` (Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery), many things have changed. In this, the incisions are very small, the healing time is short, and the risks are low. In many cases, `MIGS` surgery can be done at the same time as cataract surgery.
How do you prepare for surgery?
Before surgery, the doctor will meet with you and explain everything. At that time:
- Your eyes will be examined thoroughly and the necessary tests will be performed.
- They will talk about what you can expect from the surgery.
- They will ask about your health history and the medications you are taking (especially blood thinners).
You will usually be given some instructions before the surgery, such as:
- You will be asked to stop taking blood-thinning medications (e.g., aspirin, NSAIDs) for a few days.
- If you are being anesthetized, you will be asked to arrange for someone to drive you because you cannot drive a vehicle .
- They will inform you exactly how long you need to fast before surgery.
- Clear instructions are given about what medications to take and what not to take the day before surgery.
Don't be afraid to ask the doctor any questions you have. It will be a great help to you to know everything clearly.
What happens after the surgery? Will I feel any pain?
You will not feel any pain during the surgery because your eye will be numbed. After the surgery, you may feel some slight soreness or discomfort in your eye. The doctor will give you painkillers and eye drops to help with this.
Recovery time varies depending on the type of surgery you had.
- After laser surgery, you can probably resume normal activities within a day or two.
- After surgery with an incision, you need to be careful for a while. You will need to avoid lifting heavy objects, putting water in your eyes, or rubbing your eyes for a week or two, or maybe a month.
The doctor will tell you when you need to come back for follow-up appointments. Be sure to go to those appointments. That's when things like eye pressure and healing are checked.
When should I call the doctor?
When you go home after surgery, it is important to notify your doctor immediately if you feel anything unusual. If you have any of the following symptoms, do not delay.
- If you experience unbearable, severe pain .
- If you feel like your vision is suddenly going away or getting blurry.
- If the eye becomes very red, tears flow or mucus increases.
If this happens, call your doctor immediately or go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) .
Take-Home Message
- The main goal of glaucoma surgery is to reduce eye pressure and protect your vision from further damage.
- There are different methods, such as laser, incisional surgery, and MIGS. Your doctor will choose the method that is best for you.
- These are generally safe surgeries, and in most cases, you can go home the same day.
- Following medical instructions carefully before and after surgery is essential for a speedy recovery.
- Feel free to ask your doctor any questions you may have about your surgery or condition. Clear understanding is the best medicine.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න