PROCEDURES

Glaucoma Surgery

Glaucoma is permanent damage to the optic nerve from Intraocular Pressure that is relatively too high. Reducing internal eye pressure has been consistently demonstrated in large controlled studies to reduce the rate of visual field loss. Generally multiple eye medications and laser procedures are initially tried to control pressure, if these fail, glaucoma surgery is often needed to save vision. The surgeons at the Eye Surgery Center have received advanced training in glaucoma surgery and have been routinely performing these procedures over 20 years. The most common procedures performed are trabeculectomy and implantation of glaucoma drainage devices, which are discussed in more detail below.

Glaucoma drainage devices

Glaucoma drainage devices are implants that create an alternate aqueous pathway. A small tube is placed inside the eye and connected to an external plate anchored to the sclera under the conjunctiva. The plate is usually hidden under the upper eyelid. Fluid escapes around the plate and is absorbed into the conjunctiva. Glaucoma drainage devices are used in situations where a trabeculectomy has failed or there is a lot of inflammation or scarring. Glaucoma medications may be necessary to achieve very low pressures.

For a great illustration a glaucoma drainage device called the Ahmed™ Glaucoma Valve, we commonly use, please see:

The other commonly used glaucoma drainage device is the Baerveldt ^®Glaucoma Implant.