How to Have Glaucoma Surgery

Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness and can strike at any age. Even newborn babies can have glaucoma. Glaucoma is treated through a combination of medication and surgery. If diagnosed early, most people with glaucoma do not become blind. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

1. Realize that your physician will probably prescribe eye drops to lower the eye pressure as the first step in treating glaucoma prior to surgery. It's important to follow the doctor's orders carefully and use the eye drops exactly as prescribed until you have your surgery.

2. Prepare for surgery and know what to expect afterward. There are several types of laser surgeries for glaucoma, all aimed at reducing the eye pressure and preventing any further visual loss. You will probably come home the same day that you have your surgery. One or both eyes may be bandaged and there may be some eye pain.

3. Arrange for some post-operative assistance at home. Have someone drive you home from the hospital and help you for the first day or 2 following glaucoma surgery.

4. Adhere strictly to all treatment prescribed after your glaucoma surgery. You will have eye drops, ointments and medications that you may need help with in the beginning.

5. Follow your doctor's orders to aid in healing. You may be using a patch for your eye. Your activities may be limited and you won't be allowed to bend over or lift heavy objects.

6. Attend the post-operative checkup following surgery so the physician can assess your healing and wellness and make any necessary adjustments in your treatment.

Tips & Warnings

• Note any unusual visual symptoms such as vision loss, seeing halos around lights, eye redness, pain in the eye, nausea or vomiting or an eye that looks hazy. See an ophthalmologist right away for any unusual symptoms.

• If diagnosed early, most glaucoma patients do not become blind. Get yearly eye exams including a test for glaucoma.

• Some risk factors that cause glaucoma include being African-American, Irish, Russian, Hispanic, Inuit, Scandinavian or Japanese, over age 40, a family history of glaucoma, poor vision, if you're diabetic or take steroid medications.