Glaucoma Surgery

Glaucoma surgeries are surgical procedures performed to lower the intraocular pressure (eye pressure). Glaucoma (eye pressure) is a disease that damages the optic nerve in the eye and can over time cause vision loss. Although eye drops and medication are used first in the treatment of glaucoma, in some cases medical treatment may not be enough and surgery may be required. In congenital glaucoma, in advanced glaucoma that causes severe damage to the optic nerve, in young patients for early intervention, and in some types of glaucoma surgery, the operation is brought forward and becomes the primary treatment.

Glaucoma surgeries aim to protect the optic nerve and help prevent vision loss by reducing intraocular pressure. Here are the main surgical methods used in glaucoma treatment.

Trabeculectomy

How does it work? Trabeculectomy is one of the most common glaucoma surgeries. In this procedure a new drainage pathway is created in the eye. This new pathway allows the eye fluid (aqueous humor) to leave the eye, lowering the intraocular pressure.

Advantages: It provides long-term control of intraocular pressure.

Risks: Complications such as post-operative infection, wound-healing problems, or low eye pressure (hypotony) may occur.

Intraocular Drainage Devices (Tube Shunts)

How does it work? In this method a small tube is placed inside the eye. The tube drains the excess fluid from inside the eye to the outside and lowers the intraocular pressure.

Who is it suitable for? It is generally used in advanced glaucoma cases where trabeculectomy is not sufficient.

Advantages: It provides long-term pressure control.

Risks: Complications such as displacement of the tube, infection, or blockage of the tube may occur.

Laser Surgeries

Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT): By targeting the trabecular meshwork in the eye with laser, better drainage of the intraocular fluid is achieved. It is generally used in open-angle glaucoma.

Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty (ALT): A laser treatment that was previously used frequently but has largely given way to SLT as that method developed.

Advantages: As an alternative to medical treatment, it is a minimally invasive method. The recovery time is fast and the complication risk is low.

Disadvantages: Laser treatment may generally not be permanent and can lose its effectiveness over time.

Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)

How does it work? MIGS is the general name for methods that involve less invasive surgical intervention in the eye. New drainage pathways are usually created using small stents or devices to increase the flow of intraocular fluid.

Who is it suitable for? It is preferred in mild to moderate glaucoma cases.

Advantages: A faster recovery time, being minimally invasive, and low risk.

Risks: A lower success rate, so it is generally not used in more advanced cases.

Iridotomy and Iridectomy

How does it work? In patients with narrow-angle glaucoma, a small hole is opened in the iris with a laser (iridotomy) or surgical intervention (iridectomy) to improve the drainage of the eye fluid.

Advantages: It can prevent sudden eye-pressure crises and is a simple method.

Risks: Side effects such as mild eye irritation and light reflections may occur.

Things to Watch For After Surgery

Regular check-ups: After glaucoma surgery the intraocular pressure must be monitored closely.

Eye drops and medication: After surgery the medication prescribed by the doctor should be used to prevent the risk of infection and speed up healing.

Risk of complications: As with any surgical procedure, complications such as infection, vision loss, bleeding, discomfort in the eye, or an excessive drop in intraocular pressure can develop in glaucoma surgery. For this reason regular doctor check-ups should not be neglected.

Summary

Glaucoma surgeries are performed to bring intraocular pressure under control and protect the optic nerve. Damage to the optic nerve significantly reduces vision. Which surgical method will be used varies according to the type of glaucoma, the patient's age, and the degree of damage in the eye. When surgery is required, your doctor recommends the most suitable method for you, and with regular follow-up after surgery your eye health is protected.

This page is for general information and does not replace a personal examination. The right approach is decided together after an eye examination.