If glaucoma can no longer be treated with medication using eye drops, glaucoma surgery is necessary. The aim of surgical treatment of glaucoma is to prevent the disease from worsening. Otherwise there is a risk of blindness. Various surgical procedures are available for this purpose. Glaucoma surgery using a laser is widespread and particularly patient-friendly.
Here you will find further information as well as selected specialists and centers for glaucoma surgery.
Glaucoma is also known as glaucoma. It is a series of diseases of the eye that increase the intraocular pressure. This gradually leads to damage to the optic nerve. In the worst case scenario, this can lead to blindness.
Glaucoma surgery can prevent the condition from worsening.
A general distinction is made between open-angle and narrow-angle glaucoma:
Glaucoma is one of the most common causes of blindness worldwide. The risk of the disease generally increases with age. Around four percent of all people over the age of 75 suffer from glaucoma. It is estimated that there are around one million glaucoma patients in Germany. However, the number of unreported cases is very high.
There is also an increased risk of glaucoma if there have already been cases of glaucoma in the family. The disease appears to be partly hereditary. Other risk factors are
In general, all people over the age of 40 should have their eyes checked regularly. Early diagnosis is possible by
is possible. Early treatment can then take place and damage can be minimized.
With glaucoma, the intraocular pressure is too high and presses on the nerves at the back of the eye © svetazi | AdobeStock
Treatment usually begins conservatively with the help of eye drops. They are intended to lower the intraocular pressure. There are a variety of preparations with different mechanisms of action for this purpose. Some of them can also be combined with each other.
Glaucoma surgery is necessary if
The patient's optic nerve is then at risk and there is a risk of blindness.
In most cases, glaucoma surgery is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia. Under certain circumstances, a general anesthetic may also be considered, for example
The duration of the procedure depends largely on
depends. In general, laser surgery takes less time than the surgical variant.
Not all forms of glaucoma are equally suitable for surgery. The doctor weighs up which procedure has the best prospects and the fewest risks for the patient.
The procedure for glaucoma surgery depends on the exact diagnosis and cause. All methods aim to reduce the intraocular pressure by
production.
Many procedures are now performed using a laser. A local anesthetic in the form of eye drops is then generally sufficient.
Before a glaucoma operation, the doctor will inquire about any medication taken regularly. This enables him to rule out possible risks and complications. The patient must stop taking certain medications in the days before the glaucoma operation. These include substances to thin the blood.
If the operation is performed under general anesthesia, the patient must not eat or drink for six hours before the anesthesia.
It depends on the type of surgery and anesthesia whether it is performed on an outpatient or inpatient basis. In the case of outpatient surgery, the patient usually remains under observation for a few hours after the procedure.
Glaucoma surgery using a laser is widespread and particularly patient-friendly. Laser trabeculoplasty leads to increased permeability of the trabecular meshwork in the eye. The trabecular meshwork is the tissue through which the aqueous humor drains.
The laser causes small, punctiform holes in the trabecular meshwork. This creates many small perforated scars in the sponge-like tissue. They improve the outflow of aqueous humor.
However, the effect of this glaucoma surgery is only temporary.
During an iridectomy, the doctor cuts a small hole in the iris (iris). This creates an opening between the anterior and posterior chambers of the eye. The intraocular pressure can be regulated by means of this aqueous humor flow.
If a high-energy infrared laser is used, this is known as an iridotomy. This procedure is standard today.
Iridotomy and iridectomy are the treatment of choice for narrow-angle glaucoma.
Trabeculectomy is a microsurgical procedure. Here too, the aim is to reduce intraocular pressure by improving aqueous humor outflow.
The doctor cuts a strip from the sclera of the eye as a valve for the outflow. The aqueous humor flows through the newly created drainage hole under the conjunctiva. The body then reabsorbs the aqueous humor.
The surgeon can also use a laser here. This is called a trabeculotomy. The doctor uses the laser to make six to eight small holes for drainage.
This method of glaucoma surgery works differently. The aim here is to produce less aqueous humor. This also reduces the intraocular pressure.
The doctor uses a laser beam to obliterate the ciliary body, which produces the ocular fluid. Following this procedure, a scar forms in the ciliary body. It prevents a large part of the aqueous humor production.
Scarring takes around six to eight weeks. The success of the operation can therefore only be assessed around three months after the procedure.
The operation can also be performed using cold (cryocoagulation). However, this method is only reserved for extremely severe cases.
The surgical risk depends on the technique used and the individual condition of the eye. In general, complications such as
are very rare with the various forms of glaucoma surgery. Procedures in which the eyeball is opened are somewhat riskier than laser procedures.
In some cases, the procedure is not successful. Further surgical correction may then be necessary.
Complications can be largely prevented through effective aftercare. For example, you should attend regular check-ups. This allows
The damage caused by glaucoma cannot be reversed. Surgery cannot help either. Glaucoma surgery only slows down or stops the deterioration.
The surgery will therefore not improve vision.
The doctor usually prescribes medication in the form of drops or ointments for the period after glaucoma surgery. You must follow the doctor's instructions exactly. In order to minimize the burden on the patient, the doctor often prescribes painkillers.
As part of aftercare
are of great importance.
If at home
occur at home, you should contact the doctor treating you quickly.
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