Glaucoma surgery, performed by an ophthalmologist, can help treat various forms of glaucoma, including congenital glaucoma, neovascular glaucoma, and glaucoma caused by an injury. Your optometrist will work with an ophthalmologist to help with your eye disease management and determine when it is the right time to undergo glaucoma treatment and eye surgery. Learn more about glaucoma surgery by contacting the eye specialists at Lavenburg Medical Group in Elkton, MD.
How Do I Know if I Need Glaucoma Eye Surgery?
When the fluid in and out of the front chamber of the eye starts to move too slowly, it can cause a build-up of fluid, which increases the pressure inside the eye, and if the pressure is not controlled, it can cause loss of vision and damage to the eye. Your eye doctor can help you determine if you need glaucoma surgery and if the time is right to help reduce the amount of pressure. Glaucoma surgery can help prevent further damage to your eyes, but it does not improve or restore lost eyesight.
Risk Factors of Eye Surgery
As with any surgery, there is risk associated with undergoing eye surgery with an ophthalmologist. Some of these risk factors may include infection, sensitivity to light, inflammation of the eye, loss of vision, and bleeding. These risks are minimal but possible, and in many cases, post-surgical treatment can help these side effects heal shortly after the procedure. Patients who are obese, smoke, have diabetes, or suffer from high blood pressure, may be more at risk of these side effects after eye surgery.
What To Expect From Glaucoma Surgery
Before glaucoma, you will discuss your medical conditions and current medications with your surgeon and learn more about what to expect during and after the surgery. Glaucoma treatment may include various surgical techniques, including argon laser trabeculoplasty, selective laser trabeculoplasty, and laser peripheral iridotomy. Incisional surgery may be another option your eye surgeon uses to help with your eye disease management. Most of these surgical procedures take about four to eight hours to complete from the time of your arrival until your discharge.
After the surgery, the ophthalmologist will provide a list of at-home care treatment options and instructions, including rest and an appointment for a follow-up exam. You may also be given an eye patch, and eye drops to use as your eye heals. Additionally, avoiding strenuous activity or driving is recommended until your eye doctor says it is okay to resume normal activities.
See an Optometrist Today for Glaucoma Treatment
When needing eye disease management and glaucoma treatment, call the Lavenburg Medical Group in Elkton, MD, at 302-993-0722. We have an optometrist and an ophthalmologist ready to help provide you with glaucoma treatment and, if needed, surgery. Schedule an appointment and learn more about our glaucoma treatment plan options.