Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, which carries information from the eye to the brain. It is usually caused by high pressure in the eye, also known as intraocular pressure (IOP). If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to vision loss and even blindness.

There are two main types of glaucoma:

• Open-angle glaucoma is the most common type and occurs when the drainage angle in the eye is open but becomes blocked over time, leading to a gradual increase in IOP.
• Angle-closure glaucoma is less common and occurs when the drainage angle in the eye is closed or partially blocked, causing a sudden increase in IOP.

GENERAL PROCEDURE

The general procedure for glaucoma surgery is as follows:

• Pre-surgery preparation: Before the surgery, the patient will have a consultation with an eye doctor to discuss the procedure and any potential risks or complications. The patient may also need to undergo certain tests, such as a measurement of IOP or a scan of the eye, to help the surgeon plan the surgery.
• Anaesthesia: Before the surgery begins, the eye will be numbed with anaesthetic to minimise discomfort during the procedure. The anaesthetic may be administered as an injection or as eye drops.
• Making an incision: In most glaucoma surgeries, a small incision will be made in the eye to access the drainage system. The incision may be made in the sclera (the white part of the eye) or the cornea (the clear outer layer of the eye).
• Performing the surgery: The specific steps of the surgery will depend on the type of procedure being performed. For example, a laser may be used to create small openings in the trabecular meshwork (the drainage system in the eye), or a small tube or implant may be inserted to help drain excess fluid.
• Closing the incision: Once the surgery is complete, the incision will be closed with sutures or other methods.
• Recovery: Most glaucoma surgeries are performed on an outpatient basis, meaning the patient can go home the same day as the surgery. The eye may be covered with a patch or shield to protect it during the healing process. The patient will need to follow the post-surgery instructions provided by the eye doctor, which may include using eye drops or taking medications to help with recovery. It is important to follow these instructions carefully to ensure a successful recovery.
•  

General Surgery Types

Here is a brief overview of some common glaucoma surgeries:

• Laser trabeculoplasty: This procedure uses a laser to make small openings in the trabecular meshwork (the drainage system in the eye) to improve the drainage of fluid and lower IOP.
• Trabeculectomy: This surgery involves creating a new drainage channel in the eye to allow fluid to drain out and lower IOP. It is often used when other methods, such as medications and laser surgery, have not been effective in controlling IOP.
• Glaucoma drainage implants: This surgery involves placing a small tube or implant in the eye to help drain excess fluid and lower IOP. The tube or implant is usually inserted through a small incision in the sclera (the white part of the eye).
• Cyclophotocoagulation: This procedure uses a laser to destroy some of the cells in the ciliary body (a ring of tissue that produces fluid in the eye) to reduce the production of fluid and lower IOP.
• Iridotomy: This procedure involves creating a small hole in the iris (the coloured part of the eye) to improve the drainage of fluid and lower IOP. It is often used to treat angle-closure glaucoma.
•