Why is this procedure done?
Glaucoma is an eye problem where the fluid inside the eye is not draining well. This increases the pressure inside the eye. This pressure can damage the nerve that helps you see. ‚
Glaucoma can be treated by surgery to increase the drainage. The procedure makes a passage for this fluid to drain. This can be done as laser surgery or a procedure done through a microscope. ‚
If glaucoma is treated early, before any loss of vision, your eyesight should remain good. If you have any loss of eyesight, drugs and surgery will only prevent more eyesight loss. These treatments will not give you back the vision you have already lost. ‚
What will the results be?
Pressure inside the eye will decrease. Less fluid will be trapped inside the eyes. It will prevent or reduce any loss of eyesight. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history. Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- When you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
- Your doctor will do an exam and may:
- Do a slit lamp exam to check your eyes
- Measure pressure inside your eye
- You will be asked to sign a consent form before the procedure. The doctor will talk with you about any risks and problems from this procedure.
- You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
What happens during the procedure?
- This procedure may take place in the office, eye clinic, or hospital operating room. Procedure time will vary.
- Most people are awake for this type of surgery. You will be given a drug to relax you before the surgery. Your doctor will prevent any pain with eye drops that numb the eye.
- Laser surgery will involve the use of a beam of light which will cut the eye tissue. You will see a red or green light as the laser works.
- In surgery done with a microscope, the doctor will either:
- Cut a small hole inside the eye
- Increase the size of the hole that drains the eye fluid
- Put a small tube in to drain the fluid
- Your doctor may use bandages or an eye shield to protect the eye after the procedure.
What happens after the procedure?
Before going home, you will be monitored in the Recovery Room. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Take your drugs as ordered by your doctor.
- If laser surgery was done, you may get back to your regular activities the day after the procedure.
- If surgery was done, it may take 1 to 2 weeks before getting back to a normal routine.
- The doctor will order eye drops. Use them as directed.
- Do not touch your eyes. When your eye feels itchy, use a dampened, clean, soft washcloth and gently wipe the itchy eye.
- The doctor may give you some protective glasses to wear. This will help prevent dust and germs from getting into your eyes.
- Do not wear contact lenses until your doctor says it is OK.
- The doctor will give orders about any activities that need to be avoided after surgery. Asking someone to help you at home for a week or two after the procedure. This will help to assure the best recovery possible.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor will ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- You may need to see the doctor in a few weeks to test your eyesight .
- If you had eyesight loss before treatment, talk to your doctor about ways to help you live with your eyesight loss.
What problems could happen?
- Infection
- Drugs or surgery are not helpful
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection or bad reaction. This includes redness, yellowish, greenish, or bloody discharge; very bad itchiness; lots of tearing.
- Fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher
- Very bad eye pain or sudden loss or change in eyesight
Where can I learn more?
The Glaucoma Foundation ‚
http://www.glaucomafoundation.org/treating_glaucoma.htm ‚
Glaucoma Research Foundation ‚
http://www.glaucoma.org/treatment/surgery-overview.php ‚
National Eye Institute ‚
http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/glaucoma/glaucoma_facts.asp ‚
National Glaucoma Research ¢ ˆ ’ American Health Assistance Foundation ‚
http://www.ahaf.org/glaucoma/treatment/common/ ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚