Is it normal to get a “scratchy” feeling after surgery?
Occasionally the superficial sutures may be the cause of this. They are easily removed in the clinic during a follow-up visit.
Will it be painful during or after the operation?
During surgery your eye will be numb, so you should not experience any pain. After surgery there might be some discomfort which should settle with the drops you will be asked to put in your eyes.
How long does trabeculectomy take?
It usually takes approximately one hour, or a bit longer if it is performed under general anaesthesia.
What is the success rate?
This varies according to the complexity of the case. I create a for plan surgery and post operative follow for every patient individually.
What are the possible complications of trabeculectomy surgery?
The risks of trabeculectomy include infection, bleeding in the eye, reduced or loss of vision, low eye pressure, failure due to scarring, precipitation of cataract, droopy eyelid. During the preoperative consultation we will discuss in detail all the benefits and risks of the procedure, including all alternative options, so you can make an informed decision.
Do I need any aftercare?
Usually not, but in some cases, you may need drops for a few days for inflammation or raised eye pressure.
What about driving?
You should not drive on the day of the procedure because you will need dilating drops which may blur your vision for several hours after the laser. You should be able to drive the following day, provided you fulfil the criteria for driving.
Can the laser damage my lens implant?
The laser can occasionally cause some “dents” on the lens but they usually don’t affect the vision.
Does the laser ever need to be repeated?
It is rare that YAG laser requires repeated treatment. However, if the membrane doesn’t break completely in one go, so the laser is repeated.
Are there any alternatives?
Alternatives include the standard glaucoma surgery (trabeculectomy), but this carries more risk than the iStent procedure.