Glaucoma is a spectrum of eye conditions characterized by increased eye pressure that damages the optic nerve. It leads to limited visual fields and a decrease in visual acuity. Glaucoma causes irreversible damage and is one of the most common causes of visual loss. Regular checkups and treatment can help prevent or slow vision loss. 

Treatment

Glaucoma treatment usually starts with prescription eyedrops to help decrease eye pressure. Other treatments include oral medications, surgery, laser treatment, or a combination of two or more treatments.

When Is Glaucoma Surgery Necessary?

Surgery becomes necessary when prescription eyedrops or laser treatments cannot control eye pressure to stop the progression of glaucoma. Patients whose condition is worsening may well need surgery.

Minimally-invasive Vs. Trabeculectomy

Conventional glaucoma surgery, known as trabeculectomy, is still the gold standard. It is ideal for patients with advanced glaucoma. It can also work for those whose laser or medical therapy failed. Eye surgeons use it in closed or open-angle glaucoma.

Newer minimally-invasive surgical approaches are attracting more interest. They are popular among surgeons and patients looking for a safer procedure. 

Minimally-invasive Glaucoma Surgery

MIGS is a new and exciting glaucoma treatment. From the patient’s perspective, it is generally safer with faster recovery times. The state-of-the-art procedure uses tiny instruments to enable surgery. It is a safer approach to reducing eye pressure than traditional surgery. It also has the added benefits of a faster recovery time and higher success rate.

MIGS aims to improve fluid drainage out of the eye in those with mild to moderate glaucoma. Improved drainage reduces the pressure within the eye that damages the optic nerve. 

Clinical trials show a significant decrease in eye pressure for up to two years. It also decreases the need for prescription eye drops. Eye surgeons can perform MIGS in combination with cataract surgery if necessary. 

Trabeculectomy

Trabeculectomy is a surgical procedure performed on the eye to create a new drainage pathway. It is an outpatient procedure to lower eye pressure to prevent worsening vision loss. When performing this procedure, eye surgeons make a flap in the white part of the eye, the sclera, underneath the upper eyelid. 

Next, they create a drainage pathway underneath this flap to allow fluid to drain. That helps lower the eye pressure. They then loosely place the flap back down against the sclera to protect the pathway. Finally, they cover the entire surgery site using the conjunctiva. 

Trabeculectomy is the most effective treatment for severe cases of glaucoma. It is a possible treatment for the following:

• Primary glaucoma

• Secondary glaucoma

• Closed-angle glaucoma

• Open-angle glaucoma

Most patients do well with this procedure. However, complications sometimes happen. These include fluid leakage from the treatment site, blurry vision due to low pressure, bleeding, infections, and cataract formation. 

Different types of glaucoma surgeries carry certain advantages and disadvantages. Eye doctors tailor them according to the severity of each patient’s condition. Are you considering glaucoma surgery? If so, find an eye surgeon experienced in all types of surgeries. 

For more on glaucoma, call Coastal Vision Medical Group at (888) 501-4496 to reach our Long Beach, California office.