Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness globally, affecting an upwards of 80 million people. It is a group of eye diseases which can cause damage to the optic nerve.
This damage can lead to vision loss, even if treated early and correctly. Although medications are available to help manage glaucoma, surgery is sometimes necessary.
But when should you see a glaucoma surgeon? And what should you expect? Find out below and check the glaucoma surgeon’s guide to after glaucoma on this page: https://www.drchelvinsng.com/dr-chelvin-sngs-guide-to-after-glaucoma-surgery-2022/.
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is an eye disease that affects the optic nerve, which transmits images from the eyes to the brain. It usually occurs when pressure builds up inside the eyes due to an imbalance between fluid production and drainage.
This increased pressure can cause damage to the optic nerve and result in vision loss over time. The risk of developing glaucoma increases with age, but anyone can be affected by it regardless of age or ethnicity.
When Should I See a Glaucoma Surgeon?
If your doctor has diagnosed you with glaucoma, it’s important that you seek treatment as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your vision. Depending on your individual condition, your doctor may recommend either medical or surgical treatment for your glaucoma. Here are a few other possible indicators that you should see a glaucoma surgeon in Singapore;
- Your glaucoma is not responding to medication or other treatments
- Your eye pressure remains high despite treatment
- You have an unusually large increase in eye pressure
- You have an advanced form of glaucoma
A glaucoma surgeon will be able to advise whether surgery is right for you and discuss any potential risks associated with it. Also, they can provide the best possible options for treating glaucoma and help you understand what to expect before, during, and after surgery.
What Should I Expect From a Glaucoma Surgeon?
Your glaucoma surgeon in Singapore will likely begin by taking a detailed history of your health. They may also conduct an eye exam, perform tests to determine the amount of pressure in your eyes, or evaluate how well your optic nerve is functioning.
The goal of surgery is to reduce the pressure inside your eyes, which can help prevent further damage and preserve your vision. Depending on factors such as the type and severity of your glaucoma, you may be recommended; laser surgery, trabeculoplasty, or a procedure called glaucoma filtration surgery.
Your glaucoma surgeon will explain the risks and benefits of each treatment option so that you can make an informed decision. It is important to ask any questions you may have about the procedure and make sure you understand what to expect before, during, and after the surgery. To help you get started, here are some good examples of the questions you may want to ask and why.
- What are the risks associated with this type of surgery? While you want to have your glaucoma treated, it is important to know what the potential risks are. This is particularly important if you already have other health conditions.
- What can I expect after the surgery? Knowing what to expect beforehand can help you prepare for the recovery process. Your doctor should be able to provide information on what type of care you need to take after surgery and when you can resume your normal activities.
- How successful is this type of surgery? Your doctor should be able to provide an estimate of how successful they expect the surgery to be. It is important to understand the chances of success so that you can make an informed decision about what treatment to pursue.
- Ways to best manage my glaucoma in the future? Because glaucoma is a chronic condition, it’s important to understand how to best manage your condition in the long term. Your doctor should be able to advise you on how to prevent further damage and preserve your vision.
Types of Surgery Available
Depending on your individual needs, there are several types of surgery available for treating glaucoma: Laser trabeculoplasty (or SLT), trabeculectomy and non-penetrating deep sclerectomy (NPD). Each type of surgery involves different techniques and carries different risks, so it’s important that you speak with your physician about which kind of surgery would be best for you.
Generally speaking, laser trabeculoplasty is less invasive than other forms of glaucoma surgery and can often be performed as an outpatient procedure in about 15 minutes or less. Trabeculectomy involves making a small incision in the eye where a drainage path is created from the anterior chamber into a subconjunctival space; this procedure takes about 1-2 hours and requires general anesthesia during recovery time in hospital care afterward.
Lastly, NPD involves creating a hole in your eye’s sclera (white part), allowing fluid inside your eyes to drain out more easily; this procedure takes about 1-2 hours but does not require general anesthesia as long as it’s done under local sedation instead.
Risks Associated With Surgery
It’s important that you understand all potential risks associated with any surgical procedure before deciding whether or not it’s right for you. This includes potential risks associated with glaucoma surgery, such as infection, cataract formation or retinal detachment, among others, depending upon what type of surgery you undergo.
Additionally, complications such as bleeding or leakage from incisions made during surgeries may also occur, which could lead to further vision loss if left untreated. So, it’s important that you follow all pre-operative instructions provided by your physician before undergoing any kind of surgical procedure for treating glaucoma.
In Closing
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in people over 50 years old worldwide. So it’s essential that those suffering from this condition take steps towards treatment as soon as possible to prevent further damage from occurring over time.
While medication may help manage pressure levels within the eyes—sometimes surgery becomes necessary if medications fail at reducing IOP levels sufficiently enough—in which case seeing a specialist’ glaucoma surgeon’ becomes essential. Always make sure to speak with your ophthalmologist about the potential risks associated with any type of surgery before deciding whether or not it’s right for you.
At Chelvin SNG Eye Center, our glaucoma specialists are here to help you understand the different types of surgery available, the potential risks involved, and what recovery instructions to follow to ensure the best possible outcome for you. Contact us today if you have any more questions or would like to schedule an appointment with one of our glaucoma specialists.
We look forward to helping you preserve your vision. Call: +65 6334 2282 or visit us at:
Chelvin Sng Eye Centre – Glaucoma | Cataract Surgery | Eye Specialist
38 IRRAWADDY ROAD MT ELIZABETH NOVENA SPECIALIST CENTRE, #06-25, 329563
+65 6334 2282
https://www.drchelvinsng.com/
