Glaucoma Surgery Recovery

Glaucoma is a condition related to the optical system in your body, where the fluid pressure present in the eyes, also known as intraocular pressure (IOP), increases and this results in optic nerve damage, sometimes leading to vision loss.

The levels of severity due to this pressure are different in every case of glaucoma which, when left untreated, usually leads to vision problems. There are two categories in which this disease is divided, viz; the open angle and the closed angle, and depending on these types, there are various ways of treatments for glaucoma like medication or surgery.

However, glaucoma surgery also depends on its severity, and this decides if the patient needs laser treatment or a conventional filtering microsurgery. These surgeries help to lower the high eye pressure or IOP by either removing the excess aqueous humor from the eye, or they reduce the production of the aqueous itself. Therefore, after the surgery, there is a recovery period, where the healing takes place.

Medically, there is no cure for glaucoma, which is one of the most serious eye problems and therefore an early diagnosis with continual treatment can be the only measure which can prove beneficial. If glaucoma is diagnosed at an early stage, medicines might help, but if the condition is serious it can only be corrected by surgery.

Since there are mainly two types of surgeries performed in glaucoma treatment, there are also two different sets of recoveries for each. The recovery methods for both these surgeries are mentioned in the following paragraphs.

• The laser surgery for glaucoma plays a role such that, it enhances the drainage capabilities of the eye and thus, reduces the IOP.
• Most ophthalmologists recommend laser surgery, if the severity of the glaucoma is not very high and the optic nerve is not badly damaged.

• Its recovery time is usually a few days, but doctors advise to stay away from lifting, bending, and straining for a couple of weeks.
• Regular checkups are a must during the recovery stages, as there are results, like irritation, redness, and tearing that can be observed.

• There are a few rare glaucoma surgery complications that may be observed, like increase or excessive decrease in the IOP right after the surgery, but they can be managed by glaucoma medication.

• Also known as the conventional filtering microsurgery, this is the second option of surgery recommended by ophthalmologists.
• However, it is advised only if the IOP of the patient's eye is very high, the optic nerve is severely damaged, or in case of failed laser surgery

• Its recovery time is more than the laser surgery, about 3 to 4 weeks, but sometimes it may take months depending on the patient's endurance.

• During this period the patient is advised to stay away from any strenuous activity. Regular checkups for eye care are advised during the glaucoma surgery recovery as well because the same results are observed and the vision needs time to be stabilized.

• The glaucoma surgery risks are very rare, but if they are observed they can be very serious.
• Since this is an incision surgery, there can be complications, like bleeding, discomfort, infections, and excess pain during the recovery time. If the IOP is reduced too much, there can be vision loss or permanent blindness.

To conclude, if you are thinking of going in for this surgery, find out all its details from an ophthalmologist. It is safe surgery and has a very high success rate.

Disclaimer: This story is for informative purposes only, and it should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.