Glaucoma Surgery
Glaucoma is a condition in which the optic nerve, the nerve which connects the eye to the brain, becomes damaged. This damage usually occurs due to elevated pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure)
When the optic nerve is damaged, the peripheral vision is damaged. As the glaucoma worsens, the central vision is also affected. Unfortunately, people are usually unaware that their peripheral vision is becoming damaged and only become aware once they have lost their central vision. Unfortunately, damage to the optic nerve that occurs in glaucoma cannot be repaired. The goal of treatment in glaucoma is to ensure that no further loss of vision occurs.
There are several ways in which intraocular pressure can be lowered
1) Glaucoma drops
There are many types of glaucoma drops but they all function by reducing the pressure inside the eye. Glaucoma drops are very effective. However, if they are not used, the pressure rises again within 24 hours. They can all have side effects if used in the long term such as dry eyes, eye irritation, darkening of the skin around the eyelids and “sinking” of the eyes into the eye sockets.
2) Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)
SLT laser is a painless procedure which increases the amount of fluid that the eye drains, thus lowering the pressure. Gentle laser is applied to the trabecular meshwork, the part of the eye responsible for fluid drainage.
SLT laser is an effective, safe alternative to glaucoma drops. It is important to realise that the effect of the SLT laser can wear off over time (usually years). If this occurs, the SLT laser can be repeated.
SLT laser is an effective, safe alternative to glaucoma drops. It is important to realise that the effect of the SLT laser can wear off over time (usually years). If this occurs, the SLT laser can be repeated.
3) Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)
Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery refers to the many different types of glaucoma operations (performed in an operating theatre) procedures which work by lowering the intraocular pressure.
Common types of MIGS procedures include
- Istent
- Hydrus stent
- Preserflow shunt
4) Trabeculectomy
In a trabeculectomy, a “trap-door” is created in the wall of the eye. Through this, fluid from inside the eye very slowly flows out of the eye, thus lowering the pressure.
5) Glaucoma drainage devices
Glaucoma drainage devices, also known as glaucoma “tubes” work through insertion of a tube inside the eye which drains fluid to the outside of the eye. Common types of tubes include the Paul tube, Baerveldt tube and Ahmed tube.
