What are the different types of glaucoma surgery?

Glaucoma surgeries include the delicate, microscopic incisional trabeculectomy (with or without ExPRESS microshunt implantation), tube shunt implantation (a shunt is a glaucoma drainage device), and cyclophotocoagulation . There are also newer procedures called MIGS, or minimally invasive glaucoma surgery .

Which glaucoma surgery is best?

The most common go-to surgical option for many doctors when it comes to glaucoma is laser surgery. Laser surgery is a treatment that you can choose to have at a clinic or your doctor’s office. Its advantage is that it is a procedure that does not require overnight admission afterward.

How many glaucoma surgeries are there?

Rates of Glaucoma Surgeries in the United States and by Region. In the year of 2017, the elderly population above 65 was 50.7 million and 174,788 glaucoma surgeries were performed under Medicare Part B. Of those procedures, 22,862 were trabeculectomies (13.1%), 19,991 were GDI (11.4%), and 131,935 were MIGS (75.5%).

Is trabeculectomy a major operation?

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.

What is the newest surgery for glaucoma?

Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) reduces intraocular pressure by stimulating increased outflow of fluid from the eye. A relatively new addition to our treatment options, SLT offers an improved safety profile compared to older glaucoma laser therapies and may lower eye pressure by as much as 20 to 30 percent.

What is the newest treatment for glaucoma?

Netarsudil has been combined with latanoprost to create Rocklatan (Aerie), an effective combination medication. Rocklatan offers the highest average IOP reduction of any single glaucoma medication: 30% to 36% from baseline.

Can a trabeculectomy last 20 years?

Conclusions: This study indicates that trabeculectomy survival at 20 years may be approximately 60% with no topical medication and approximately 90% with additional topical medication. Patient age, preoperative topical medication use, glaucoma type, and glaucoma severity will independently influence this outcome.

What happens if a trabeculectomy fails?

When a trabeculectomy procedure fails and cannot be rescued, subsequent procedures include a second trabeculectomy, placement of an aqueous shunt, or a cyclodestructive procedure.

What does eye look like after trabeculectomy?

After surgery, your eye may be red and irritated. It may also water more than usual or swell a little. Even though your eye may be uncomfortable, it’s important not to rub it. Rubbing your eye could damage it.

Is laser surgery better than drops for glaucoma?

Initial treatment with laser was cheaper than initial treatment with eyedrops. The results of this study suggest that laser is an efficient, safe and cheaper alternative to eyedrops, and that three-quarters of the patients initially treated with laser do not need any eyedrops for the first 3 years of treatment.

What is the difference between trabeculectomy and Trabeculotomy?

The basic indications for the surgery were as follows: Trabeculectomy was indicated for the cases with moderate to severe visual field loss or need of lower postoperative intraocular pressure, and trabeculotomy indicated for those with early stage of POAG.

What is the success rate for laser surgery for glaucoma?

The success rate is about 60-70 percent in lowering the eye pressure by 20 percent.

Is glaucoma surgery Successful?

Success Rate

Most of the related studies document follow-up for a one year period. In those reports, it shows that in older patients, glaucoma filtering surgery is successful in about 70-90% of cases, for at least one year. Occasionally, the surgically-created drainage hole begins to close and the pressure rises again.

What are the complications of trabeculectomy?

These include:
  • postoperative infection.
  • drooping eyelid.
  • double vision.
  • swelling.
  • bleeding.
  • developing a hole near the operation site.
  • scarring.
  • low IOP (hypotony)

What is the best eye pressure?

Normal eye pressure ranges from 12-21 mm Hg, and eye pressure of greater than 21 mm Hg is considered higher than normal. When the IOP is higher than normal but the person does not show signs of glaucoma, this is referred to as ocular hypertension.

Can stress cause increased eye pressure?

Psychological stress can significantly elevate intraocular pressure (IOP), even in healthy individuals, according to a report published in Ophthalmology Glaucoma.

Can a trabeculectomy last 20 years?

Conclusions: This study indicates that trabeculectomy survival at 20 years may be approximately 60% with no topical medication and approximately 90% with additional topical medication. Patient age, preoperative topical medication use, glaucoma type, and glaucoma severity will independently influence this outcome.

What happens if a trabeculectomy fails?

When a trabeculectomy procedure fails and cannot be rescued, subsequent procedures include a second trabeculectomy, placement of an aqueous shunt, or a cyclodestructive procedure.