Glaucoma damages the optic nerve due to dangerously high pressure in the eye. This serious eye condition can lead to irreversible vision loss or blindness.
A trabeculectomy is a surgical procedure that is highly successful in treating glaucoma by draining fluid from the eye and relieving internal eye pressure.
How is a Trabeculectomy Performed?
In the operating room, your eye surgeon will administer either local or general anesthesia to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure.
Your eye will then be cleaned and held open during the surgery using an eyelid speculum. The surgeon will make a tiny incision in the sclera (the white part of the eye) to create a flap that opens into the eye. A pathway will be created underneath the flap as a new drainage system to relieve the eye’s inner pressure.
This will allow fluid to flow into the flap, creating a bleb. Because the bleb is under the eyelid, it won’t be obviously visible after the procedure.
The entire procedure should take about 45-60 minutes.
Trabeculectomy Recovery Time
You’ll be able to go home within hours of the surgery, but plan to have someone drive you. After the surgery, you’ll wear an eye patch until your follow-up appointment the next day. The area around the affected eye may be sore, but pain relievers should help.
The surgeon will explain what symptoms to expect during your recovery, and what medications to take to promote healing. You’ll also be instructed to avoid touching or rubbing your eye, and to avoid lifting heavy objects.
You’ll be able to return to your daily activities within 1-2 weeks after the trabeculectomy.
What’s the Success Rate of a Trabeculectomy?
Trabeculectomies are successful in treating glaucoma in 90% of cases. Most patients are able to reduce the number of glaucoma eye medications or possibly even stop taking glaucoma medications after the procedure.
Trabeculectomy in Our practice serves patients from CITY 1, CITY 2, CITY 3, and CITY 4, and surrounding communities.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with glaucoma, Opthalmology Practice Name can help. We can guide you to the best treatment options for your condition and help preserve your precious gift of sight.
We offer trabeculectomies and other surgical procedures to keep your eyes functioning at their best.
To schedule a consultation, call Opthalmology Practice Name in LOCATION1 today.