What You Need to Know about Glaucoma Surgery
Glaucoma is a severe eye condition that can lead to blindness. If you have glaucoma, it means your optic nerve is damaged. This injury can happen because the pressure in your eye is too high. Glaucoma surgery is a way to lower the pressure in your eye and protect your optic nerve.
At Uptown Eye Care, we provide expert glaucoma surgery to residents of several Orlando, Hunters Creek, and Lake Nona, FL. Our team includes some of the best eye surgeons in Florida. Read on to learn more about glaucoma surgery and how it can help you.
What Is Glaucoma Surgery?
Glaucoma surgery is a type of eye surgery used to treat glaucoma. The goal is to lower the pressure in your eye. This pressure reduction can prevent further damage to your optic nerve and vision. Yet, it's not the first line of treatment for glaucoma. We will try to control the pressure in your eye with medicine first. If that doesn't work, we may recommend surgery.
There are different types of glaucoma surgery. The type of surgery depends on the severity of your glaucoma and your overall health. The most common type of glaucoma surgery is called trabeculectomy. During this surgery, we create a new channel for the fluid in your eye to drain out. This surgery lowers the pressure in your eye and protects your optic nerve.
Another type of glaucoma surgery is called a drainage implant. During this surgery, we place a tiny tube in your eye. This tube drains the fluid from your eye and lowers the pressure. Glaucoma surgery is a safe and effective way to reduce the tension in your eye. In addition, it can help prevent further damage to your optic nerve and vision.
What to Expect after Glaucoma Surgery
You will spend one to two nights in the hospital after eye surgery. You will need someone to drive you home from the hospital. Your eye may be sore, and you may need medication for pain and inflammation.
Visit our optometrist for follow-up appointments so we can check on your recovery. We will review the pressure in your eye at these appointments. Most people recover from glaucoma but take care of your vision after surgery.
Take Care of Your Eye after Surgery
Remember to care for your eyes when at home. These tips will help you recover quickly and return to your everyday life. Practice these actions after your eye surgery:
- Use the eye drops your optometrist prescribed. These eye drops will help with pain and inflammation.
- Take it easy for a few days after surgery. Avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting.
- Keep your eye clean. You may need special eye drops or ointments to keep your vision from getting infected.
- Follow up with your eye surgeon. Be sure to go to all your follow-up appointments.
Book an Appointment with Our Eye Surgeon Today
If you have glaucoma, surgery may be an option for you. Uptown Eye Care is available in Orlando, Hunters Creek, and Lake Nona, FL. Visit our office to get a feel for your first appointment and meet our friendly staff. Contact us today at (407) 855-6132 to book an appointment.
