How is trabeculectomy performed?
It is used to prevent worsening of vision loss due to glaucoma by lowering eye pressure. When performing trabeculectomy, an eye surgeon creates a flap in the sclera — the white part of the eye — underneath the upper eyelid. Underneath this flap, a pathway is created to allow fluid to drain, which lowers eye pressure.
How long does trabeculectomy surgery take?
Trabeculectomy is a very delicate operation that requires an operating room, local anesthesia of the eye, an anesthesiologist, and about an hour of operating time. It is successful about 60-80 percent of the time in controlling the eye pressure during a period of five years.
Is trabeculectomy a laser surgery?
The fluid is reabsorbed from the bleb by the tissues and veins around it. Many patients require a short laser procedure in the office after surgery to break the sutures to the edge of the flap. This laser allows the trabeculectomy to work better.
Are you awake during trabeculectomy surgery?
You may get medicine to make you sleep during the surgery. Or you may be awake, but you will get medicine for pain. The surgery will take about 30 to 90 minutes. You can expect your eye to feel better each day.
Why is vision blurry after trabeculectomy?
For a few weeks, you may see your doctor several times a week to check how well fluid is draining out of your eye. Depending on the pressure in your eye, your doctor may cut the stitches around your bleb to change the flow of fluid. Your eyes may be blurry for up to 6 weeks after surgery.
How long does blurred vision last after trabeculectomy?
Your eyes may be blurry for up to 6 weeks after surgery. As this goes away, your vision will probably be as good as it was before surgery. But you may need to change your glasses or contact lenses. Certain kinds of glasses and contacts may be better for your eye after this surgery.
What is the best eye pressure?
Normal eye pressure ranges from 10-21 mm Hg. Ocular hypertension is an eye pressure of greater than 21 mm Hg.
How is a trabeculectomy performed for cataract surgery?
Trabeculectomy Steps. The surgeon creates a hole from the inside of the eye to the outside of the eye, allowing fluid (aqueous humor) to drain out, lowering the pressure inside the eye. To prevent too much drainage, the surgeon creates a scleral flap that acts as a filter, regulating how much fluid can drain.
What is a trabeculectomy for IOP?
Your doctor may recommend a trabeculectomy if your IOP is unresponsive to standard glaucoma treatments like prescription eye drops or medication. Trabeculectomy is used to create a new channel, or “bleb,” through which fluid can drain from the eye.
How long does a trabeculectomy take?
Trabeculectomies typically take between 45 and 60 minutes. Day after surgery: You can spend time in a recovery room after the procedure, ensuring that your eye is stable and allowing time for sedation or the anesthesia to wear off. Then, you can go home. Be sure to get someone to drive you as you will not be able to drive safely.
Is a trabeculectomy the best way to lower intraocular pressure?
While a trabeculectomy is the gold-standard surgery for lowering intraocular pressure for glaucoma patients, it does have drawbacks and failures. Other surgical procedures include minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, canaloplasty, and trabectome.