How Long is Recovery From Glaucoma Surgery?

Glaucoma is a common and manageable eye condition that is a result of increased intraocular pressure (IOP) that your optic nerve is unable to tolerate inside the eye. Dr. Alabata offers several types of glaucoma surgery. Most types of glaucoma surgery have minimal downtime and can significantly lower your IOP. 

What is Glaucoma? 

Glaucoma can occur for a variety of reasons. It develops slowly, and if not diagnosed and treated in a timely manner, the increased IOP can permanently damage the optic nerve and potentially cause vision loss. People with medical conditions such as diabetes or have a family history of glaucoma are at a higher risk. Since glaucoma is a silent eye disease, all adults should have routine eye exams starting at age 40 to diagnose the condition before any harm to their vision occurs. If you are at a higher risk of developing glaucoma you should have your eyes checked as soon as your early 20s.

How is Glaucoma Treated?

Primary treatments for glaucoma include medication eye drops and even laser treatment. Surgery may be a good option for those who do not achieve desirable results with either eye drops or laser treatment. Glaucoma surgery reduces the IOP, protecting your optic nerve from further damage. You have a range of surgical options, most of which involve little to no recovery time. 

How Long is Recovery From Glaucoma Surgery?

Most glaucoma surgeries allow you to recover and return to normal activities quickly. Common side effects after surgery include irritation, redness, and blurred vision. Some procedures may cause temporary light sensitivity. Your surgeon will give you instructions on how to manage your recovery. 

Request a Consultation

We’d love to help you get all the information you need in order to make the best choice for your eyes. Request a consultation today! Our staff is available and happy to answer your every question.

Types of Glaucoma Surgery

Dr. Alabata will choose the type of glaucoma surgery most appropriate for your individual needs. A consultation will help him determine which procedure to use. 

Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty

During this procedure, a laser targets the drainage channels that should allow excess fluid to drain from the eye. The cold laser causes changes that improve drainage and lower your IOP. The surgery takes only a few minutes per eye and there are no limitations in activities afterwards.

Durysta

This implant contains a sustained release medication called bimatoprost. After being implanted in the front of the eye, its benefits may last up to two years. Most people can reduce or eliminate the need for eye drops. Durysta works best if you are on only one or two glaucoma medication drops.

YAG Peripheral Iridotomy

This treatment is often used for narrow or closed-angle glaucoma, If you have closed-angle glaucoma, this is a medical emergency. A laser creates an opening in the iris of the eye that allows fluid to drain out, preventing pressure from becoming too high. 

Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)

MIGS procedures use microscopic implants that your surgeon can place with minimal disruption to the eye. These procedures work well to lower mild to moderately increased IOP. They have minimal downtime or irritation. 

Aqueous Tube Shunt

This procedure is usually reserved for those who have not benefited from other types of treatment. A drainage shunt is inserted into the eye to drain excess fluid. The procedure takes about an hour and requires more recovery than most other methods. 

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Take the Next Step

To schedule your in-person glaucoma surgery consultation, call Alabata Eye Center at (850) 331-3937. A referral is not necessary. Thank you for trusting our professional services!

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