Glaucoma – surgery to treat glaucoma

Description Corrective surgery for glaucoma

The operation is carried out to eliminate glaucoma to reduce intraocular pressure.

Reasons for the operation to eliminate glaucoma

The operation is performed for glaucoma. Inside the eye is a transparent liquid. The fluid is in the front and back of the eye. In glaucoma, fluid builds up and increases the pressure inside the eye. If the pressure is not controlled, this can lead to eye damage and vision loss. The surgery is performed to reduce the pressure inside the eye. Reduced pressure may be needed to prevent further loss of vision.

It is important to note, Corrective surgery for glaucoma can save remaining vision, but does not improve or restore it.

Possible complications of glaucoma surgery to remove

Complications are rare, but no procedure does not guarantee the absence of risk. If surgery is planned, you need to know about possible complications, which may include:

• Sensitivity to light;
• Infection;
• Long-term irritation and inflammation of the eyes;
• Bleeding;
• Loss of sight;
• The need for additional surgery.

Risk factors for complications include, but are not limited:

• Obesity;
• Smoking;
• Diabetes;
• High blood pressure;
• Heart and lung disease;
• Blood clotting;
• Infection.

How is the treatment of glaucoma?

Preparation for the procedure

• Consult your doctor about the drugs taken. A week before surgery you may be asked to stop taking some medicines:
  • Aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs;
  • Blood thinners, such as clopidogrel (Plaviks) or warfarin.
• Continue to use eye drops, unless otherwise stated Dr..
• We need to organize a trip for the operation and back home.

Anesthesia

Used to numb the eye anesthetic eye drops;

If it is carried out of the eyes, used local anesthetic and sedative. In some cases, applied general anesthesia.

Description of the procedure for treating glaucoma

There are two common types of glaucoma surgery: and laser surgery by incision.

Laser Surgery

The main types of laser surgery include:

Lazernaya argon trabeculoplasty (GOLD)

Lazernaya argon trabeculoplasty (GOLD) is the most common type of laser surgery. The method is usually used to treat open-angle glaucoma. During this procedure, you will sit in front of a laser device. Before the eye and the eye itself to establish special lenses, at that point the laser “spot”. You can see a flashing red or green light, When the laser is applied. This procedure removes excess fluid, to relieve some of the pressure.

Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT)

This procedure is similar to ALT. SLT has the advantage, that it can be repeated many times. ALT can not be made more than twice.

Laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI)

Laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI) frequently used to treat glaucoma or prevent glaucoma patients with anatomically narrow angle. Glaucoma occurs, when the angle between the cornea (transparent structure on the front of the eye) and iris (the colored part of the eye) too small. This can lead to, that liquid can not normally circulate inside the eye. This can lead to very rapid raising intraocular pressure to dangerously high levels. When a laser is used LPI, to make a small hole in the iris. The hole allows more fluid to circulate freely inside the eye.

Cyclophotocoagulation

Cyclophotocoagulation used to freeze the eye, which produces aqueous humor. This procedure is usually done only in humans, which have serious damage from glaucoma and other disorders, which conducted the operation did not succeed. Instead of freezing, this procedure can also be done with a laser.

Intsizionnaya surgery – operation by incision

This surgery uses tiny instruments to remove a portion of the eye. In step creates a small hole under the conjunctiva (layer around the eye). The liquid is now able to flow through the hole, and then absorbed into the bloodstream. This reduces the pressure inside the eye. In some cases, the doctor may put in a tiny section of the valve.

Glaucoma drainage implants

If the above methods are not succeed, Another option is the use of implants. In most of the implantation device is on the outer side of the eye. The tube or a special thread is carefully inserted into the anterior chamber of the eye. Fluid, flowing down the tube or along the thread, It is near the rear of the implant. The liquid is absorbed by going here. This procedure is a little more risky, trabeculoplasty than the standard and should be performed only by qualified doctors.

How long will the procedure?

The operation for the treatment of glaucoma usually takes less than one hour. When the cut, perhaps, It needs about 4-8 hours from the time of arrival until discharge from the hospital.

Will it hurt the treatment of glaucoma?

For most people, a local anesthetic blocks pain during surgery. There may be a slight burning or stinging when you perform ALT and CFPS. Some patients report mild discomfort, and during the procedure. Incisional glaucoma surgery, usually, It is causing more discomfort than laser procedures.

Care after treatment of glaucoma

Care in a hospital

After the procedure:

• Held eye examination;
• Includes eye drops;
• If necessary, applied eye patch.

Home Care

Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions.

• If you have superimposed eye patch or bandage, you need to wear them, as indicated by a physician;
• Use eye drops, as prescribed by your doctor. These droplets often help prevent infection and inflammation;
• Avoid activities, where the eye can get water;
  • Ask your doctor about, How to wash your face and when it is safe to shower or bath;
• Refrain from heavy, strenuous activities or driving, until it is allowed to physician.

Communication with the doctor after the treatment of glaucoma

After returning home, you need to see a doctor, If the following symptoms:

• Sudden and / or severe pain in the eyes;
• Loss of vision or other vision changes;
• Signs of infection, including fever and chills;
• Nausea and vomiting;
• Redness, edema, growing pain, bleeding, or excessive discharge from the eyes;
• Pain, which does not pass after administration of designated anesthetics;
• Cough, shortness of breath or chest pain.