Glaucoma surgery success rates vary with procedure type, disease severity, and individual healing. Success usually means keeping pressure low enough to slow or stop further damage.
What counts as success
Rather than perfect numbers, clinicians look for stable optic nerves and visual fields. Some patients still need drops even when surgery has worked well.
- Target pressures are set according to how advanced the glaucoma is
- Trabeculectomy and tube surgery often achieve larger pressure drops
- MIGS typically offers moderate reductions with quicker recovery
- Scarring, age, and other eye conditions can influence outcomes
Long-term follow-up and expectations
Results are best judged over years, not days. Regular reviews check that the benefit continues.
- Pressure may slowly creep up, sometimes needing further treatment
- Additional procedures or laser can refresh a failing bleb or device
- Healthy lifestyle and adherence to remaining drops still matter
- Open conversation about goals helps align expectations with likely results
