Glaucoma surgery refers to operations that lower eye pressure when drops and laser are no longer enough to protect the optic nerve and preserve vision.
Types of glaucoma surgery
Several procedures can improve fluid drainage from the eye, including trabeculectomy, tube shunts, and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery MIGS.
The choice depends on the type and severity of glaucoma, eye anatomy, and previous treatments.
- Trabeculectomy creates a new drainage channel under a flap in the white of the eye
- Tubes shunt fluid to a small plate under the conjunctiva
- MIGS uses tiny devices or targeted treatments through small incisions
- Some operations are combined with cataract surgery for convenience and benefit
What patients can expect
Surgery is usually done under local anaesthetic with or without sedation, and most people go home the same day or after one night.
Frequent follow up visits are needed in the early weeks to monitor pressure, adjust drops, and sometimes manipulate stitches for the best result.
- Eyes may feel gritty, watery, or slightly achy for several weeks
- Heavy lifting, rubbing, and swimming are restricted until healing progresses
- Even after surgery, regular review is vital because glaucoma is a lifelong condition
- Urgent assessment is required for sudden pain, redness, or noticeable loss of vision
