Question 1

What happens on the day of surgery?

Accepted Answer

You will be welcomed and signed in at the clinic, and your details checked. Anaesthetic drops are used to numb the eye, or a local anaesthetic injection is given beside the eye. A sterile sheet is placed around the eye area and a bright microscope light is used during the procedure. The surgery itself lasts about 45 minutes. At the end a patch is taped over the eye and left on until the next day. You should arrange transport home as you will not be able to drive.

Question 2

What are the risks of trabeculectomy surgery?

Accepted Answer

As with all surgery, there are possible side effects. Inflammation inside the eye is common and treated with drops. Some patients notice the drainage bleb under the upper eyelid or slight drooping of the eyelid, which usually settles. Serious problems are rare: bleeding inside the eye (less than 1 in 1000) and infection inside the eye (less than 1 in 1000) can lead to loss of vision. After surgery the pressure may be too high or too low, needing drops, clinic treatment or further surgery. A trabeculectomy also makes the eye more prone to infection in the long term, so any new pain, redness or blurred vision should be reported immediately.

Question 3

How successful is the surgery?

Accepted Answer

The most obvious benefit is lowering pressure inside the eye and ultimately prolonging useful vision. Vision does not improve and may be temporarily worse as the pressure stabilises. National averages show around 66% of patients achieve an eye pressure below 21 mmHg a year after surgery. Success can be reduced by young age, certain ethnic groups, previous eye surgery or injury, uveitis, diabetes, rubeotic glaucoma, and natural healing that causes scarring.

Question 4

What can I do after trabeculectomy surgery?

Accepted Answer

You can read and watch television as normal. Avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting and rubbing the eye for the first few weeks. Avoid household chores for 1 to 2 weeks, and the gym, running, sports and swimming for about 3 months. Most people need 1 to 2 weeks off work. Sleep on your unoperated side and wear the plastic shield over your eye at night for 2 weeks. Avoid eye make-up for 1 month, then use new products. Avoid driving until advised at clinic.

Question 5

Are there any alternatives?

Accepted Answer

Alternatives include continuing eye drops or other types of laser. If drops and laser have not been enough, other surgical options include shunt (tube) surgery or a PRESERFLO MicroShunt. Your surgeon will discuss the most appropriate option for your individual situation.

What happens on the day of surgery?

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