What Is Glaucoma Surgery?
Glaucoma is a condition in which the fluids inside the eye can't drain properly, leading to increased pressure and — over time — damage to the optic nerves. Glaucoma usually doesn't present with symptoms early in its development, but without treatment, it can cause permanent vision loss. Because of that, glaucoma is sometimes called the "silent thief of sight." In some cases, glaucoma can be managed with prescription eye drops, but more severe cases may require surgery. If you are struggling with glaucoma and haven't had success with conservative treatments, the ophthalmologists at Pennsylvania Surgery and Laser Center in Philadelphia, PA may be able to prevent further vision loss with traditional or laser glaucoma surgery. Reach out to our facility today to schedule a consultation, and learn if glaucoma surgery is right for you.
How Does Glaucoma Surgery Work?
Glaucoma surgery is performed at our Philadelphia, PA eye surgery center and usually takes less than an hour to complete. It can take days or weeks to recover so you should make arrangements for a ride home after your procedure. Before starting your surgery, we'll numb your eyes to help you keep comfortable. We offer several advanced approaches to glaucoma surgery at Pennsylvania Surgery and Laser Center, including:
- Glaukos® iStent inject: During this procedure, our team installs a tiny stent inside the eye, allowing fluid to drain as needed.
- Ahmed Glaucoma Valve: This procedure involves a plate and tube implanted under the skin near the eye. Like the iStent, this treatment helps relieve pressure by allowing the eye fluid to drain.
- Trabeculectomy: During a trabeculectomy, the surgeon opens a flap beneath the upper eyelid and creates a channel for fluids to drain.
- Laser surgery: Laser surgery is performed using a specialized lens to precisely aim the laser at the affected area of your eye. The energy produced by the laser helps to unclog the channels in your eye so it can drain properly.
During your consultation, we'll go over your treatment options and determine which method is ideal for your case.
What Are the Benefits of Glaucoma Surgery?
There is no cure for glaucoma, and the loss of your vision cannot be reversed. However, with a timely diagnosis and treatment, the team at Pennsylvania Surgery and Laser Center can prevent further damage to your sight. The benefits of glaucoma surgery include:
- Procedures are relatively quick and comfortable
- Can provide relief from glaucoma and stop further loss of sight
- Offers an effective solution when more conservative glaucoma therapies fail to provide relief
- Procedures have a high rate of success
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Frequently Asked Questions
Will my vision improve after glaucoma surgery?
Glaucoma surgery is designed to preserve your existing vision by reducing eye pressure — it doesn't typically improve vision that has already been lost. Some people notice temporary blurriness right after surgery, but this usually clears up as the eye heals. If you have cataracts along with glaucoma, a combined surgery may improve vision by removing the cloudy lens at the same time. The main goal of glaucoma surgery is to prevent further vision loss, helping you maintain the eyesight you still have.
Can glaucoma come back after surgery?
Glaucoma is a chronic condition, which means surgery doesn’t "cure" it, but rather helps manage the pressure inside your eye. In some cases, the effects of surgery can last for many years, while in others, eye pressure may gradually increase again over time. If this happens, your doctor may recommend additional treatments, such as adjusting medications, laser therapy, or even another surgical procedure. Keeping up with regular eye exams is key to catching any changes early and ensuring your glaucoma remains under control.
Will I still need to use eye drops after glaucoma surgery?
Many patients still need some form of medication after glaucoma surgery, but the goal is often to reduce the number of eye drops needed to control pressure. Some people may be able to stop using drops altogether, while others may continue using them at a lower dosage. Your doctor will monitor your eye pressure in the weeks and months after surgery and adjust your treatment plan as needed. It's important to stick to your medication schedule and follow up regularly to keep your glaucoma under control.
Prevent Vision Loss
Glaucoma is one of the second leading causes of blindness in the world. The good news is that this disease can be managed. If you're experiencing symptoms of glaucoma, it's crucial that you seek treatment as soon as possible to keep your sight from deteriorating any further. Schedule a consultation at Pennsylvania Surgery and Laser Center in Philadelphia, PA to learn more about your condition and discuss your treatment options.