Most of us struggle to understand how the diagnosis of glaucoma will affect our day to day living. We also fail to understand why we need the treatment, since most glaucomas do not have any symptoms. Therefore, understanding why one needs surgery for glaucoma becomes even more difficult. This article aims to simplify the indications for glaucoma surgery.
What are the treatment options available
There are three possible treatment plans for glaucoma. They include medication, lasers and incisional glaucoma surgery. Your doctor will choose what works best for you, and your eye health, after discussing the pros and cons of each of them. Here are some reasons why she will advise glaucoma surgery.
Indications for glaucoma surgery
When Medical therapy and/or laser fail to sufficiently lower IOP
That is, when the target eye pressure is lower than the eye pressure achieved by eye drops and laser, the doctor may advise glaucoma surgery. This is because low eye pressures help keep your optic nerve safe from damage.
When the patient does not have access to or cannot comply with medical therapy
Sometimes, you may not be able to remember to use your eye drops on time. Often, you may not be able to put your own eye drops or may not have access to someone who can help you with them. Often the side effects of the eye drops may prevent you from using them.
Sometimes, the cost of the medication may be a deterrent. In such cases also, your doctor will discuss the possibility of doing a glaucoma operation.
Progression of glaucoma
When your glaucoma is advanced, and continues to progress despite treatment, your doctor may advise an operation. This is to protect the optic nerve and your vision.
Angle closure glaucoma
Some patients of angle closure glaucoma need prompt surgery. Your doctor observes the degree of angle closure. When the closure is such that a laser iridotomy will not be sufficient to open up your drainage angles, she may recommend a surgical intervention.
Glaucoma in children
In cases of infantile glaucoma, that is glaucoma in infants and little children, prompt glaucoma surgery may be required to prevent loss of vision.
What you need to remember
- Glaucoma surgery is indicated only when, despite maximal medical therapy, the eye pressure reaches a level at which the optic nerve is going to be damaged.
- Your doctors will consider many other factors also, before deciding on incisional glaucoma surgery. The other indications of surgery, therefore include the kind of glaucoma, severity of the disease, and other eye status. The result of previous operation if one has been done, the reliability of the patient with regard to use of eye drops are also important factors. Other factors that influence this decision include, the age and physical condition of the patient, and the presence of cataract. Rarely, the race of the patient may also be considered.
- Your doctor will discuss with you the risks and benefit of glaucoma surgery. She will only recommend surgery when the benefits far outweigh the risks. She will also help you understand which type of surgery is best suited for your needs.
- Feel free to ask questions about the surgery until you understand the reasons for the same. You doctor will be happy to discuss the reasons for advising surgery, and also all the alternatives available.
