Transform your life with our treatments for Glaucoma.
The first step to management and treatment of glaucoma is to attend a consultation with a doctor who sub-specialises in glaucoma. We’re fortunate to have world leading glaucoma specialists in Regency Eye Hospital.
Your ophthalmologist will review your medical history, including any previous eye conditions, surgeries, medications, and family history of glaucoma. They will be keen to hear about your symptoms, such as eye pain, blurred vision, or changes in peripheral vision.
This appointment will give you and your doctor all they need to evaluate the stage and severity of your condition. They will also be able to sub-classify your condition to the type of glaucoma you suffer from (primary open-angle glaucoma, angle-closure glaucoma), and assess the extent of optic nerve damage. This evaluation will help to determine the most appropriate treatment plan. This could include eye drops, laser therapy (selective laser trabeculoplasty), or glaucoma surgery such as trabeculectomy or tube shunt implantation.
You will undergo a comprehensive eye examination including tests such as visual acuity, intraocular pressure measurement, visual field testing, optic nerve evaluation, and gonioscopy to assess the angle of the eye’s drainage system.
Additional diagnostic tests may be conducted if required for your eyes, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) to assess the optic nerve, pachymetry to measure corneal thickness, and fundus photography to look at the appearance of the optic nerve.
Glaucoma surgery offers various approaches to manage elevated eye pressure, a key factor in the progression of this condition. From minimally invasive procedures to traditional surgeries and laser treatments, there are options designed to improve fluid drainage within the eye. If you’re exploring glaucoma treatment, understanding these surgical possibilities can help you discuss the best course of action with Regency Eye Hospital.
First line treatment for treatment of glaucoma is usually eye drops or selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT).
There are a large variety of eye drops for glaucoma management. These all work either by reducing the production of aqueous humour (fluid in the eye) or improving drainage. SLT treatment can also be used to improve drainage of aqueous humour and lower eye pressure. Without laser or surgical intervention, it is likely that you will need eye drops for your lifetime. SLT can reduce or remove the need for eye drops.
In this surgery a new drainage channel is created to lower pressure. In this procedure, a small flap is created in the sclera (white part of the eye) to allow excess fluid to drain out.
A small implantable device (such as an Ahmed valve or Baerveldt implant) is inserted into the eye to help drain excess fluid and lower intraocular pressure. Surgery is usually performed under local anaesthesia or twilight anaesthesia. A small incision is made in the eye to create a pathway for the device to be inserted. This implant is carefully positioned in the eye, usually in a region behind the iris. A small tube connected to the device is inserted into the eye to facilitate the drainage of aqueous. In all cases, the aim of the treatment is to lower the intraocular pressure and thereby limit further optic nerve damage and slow down further progression of the condition.
MIGS covers a few procedures such as iStent, Hydrus Microstent or Trabecome. These procedures aim to improve drainage of aqueous humour and reduce eye pressure with minimal intervention.
The choice of procedure depends on various factors such as the type and severity of glaucoma. Other considerations include the likelihood that the patient is able to keep compliance to daily regimes such as drops.
Expect some blurred vision and potential discomfort, but generally, recovery is a process that involves following your doctor’s instructions, including using prescribed eye drops, avoiding strenuous activities, and attending follow-up appointments. You may experience some blurred vision, redness, and mild pain, which should subside within a few days. If a transparent shield is provided to protect your eye following surgery – we advise that you wear it for at least the first 24 hours and wear it overnight for the first week. This will limit your chances of coming into contact with irritants that may affect your recovery.
Arrange for a driver to take you home after your surgery. Your eyes will take time to recover and will not necessarily be up to driving standard after treatment.
Glaucoma surgery can have side effects, including blurred vision, pain, redness, and swelling.
Common side effects:
Blurred vision
Common during recovery, but should improve over time
Redness
Your eye may be red and watery after surgery
Swelling
Eyelid swelling may occur
Tearing
The eye may water
Foreign body sensation
The eye may feel like there is sand or grit in it
It is crucial to adhere to the specific post-operative instructions provided by your eye surgeon. These instructions may include using prescribed eye drops, attending follow-up appointments, and avoiding certain activities.
Eat a healthy, balanced diet. A diet rich in nutrients can support your body’s healing process. Stay hydrated and eat foods that are high in vitamins, minerals, and protein to aid in recovery.
Avoid exposure to direct sunlight or bright lights, and wear sunglasses when outdoors to protect your eyes from UV rays and reduce discomfort during the healing process.
