Surgical Glaucoma Management
Glaucoma, often referred to as the "silent thief of sight," is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, the nerve responsible for carrying visual information from the eye to the brain. Left untreated, glaucoma can lead to irreversible vision loss and blindness. Early detection and treatment are crucial to preserving vision.
Surgical intervention for glaucoma aims to lower intraocular pressure (IOP) to prevent or minimise optic nerve damage when medical or laser therapy is insufficient. Various procedures target aqueous humour production, outflow, or both.
Conditions We Treat
Our programme specialises in addressing a variety of glaucoma conditions, including:
- Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG): The most common type, characterised by gradual damage to the optic nerve.
- Angle-closure glaucoma: A less common but more severe type, where the angle between the iris and cornea narrows, blocking the flow of aqueous humour.
- Congenital glaucoma: A rare condition affecting newborns, often leading to enlarged eyes and vision loss.
- Secondary glaucoma: Develops as a result of other eye conditions or systemic diseases.
Our Services
We offer a comprehensive range of surgical services to meet your needs:
- Surgical interventions: Advanced surgical techniques to manage complex glaucoma cases, including:
- Trabeculectomy: A highly effective surgical procedure that creates a new drainage channel in the eye to lower IOP. It is typically recommended for patients with open-angle, angle-closure, or secondary glaucoma. While effective, potential risks include bleb leaks, infections, hypotony, or scarring.
- Glaucoma drainage devices: Implantable devices designed to divert excess fluid from the eye and lower pressure. Common implants include Ahmed, Baerveldt, and Molteno. These devices are often used for refractory glaucoma, neovascular glaucoma, or after a failed trabeculectomy. Potential complications include tube-related issues, double vision, or corneal decompensation.
- Cyclodestructive procedures: These targeted treatments reduce aqueous humour production by treating the ciliary body.
- Cyclophotocoagulation (CPC): Laser energy is applied transsclerally or endoscopically to decrease fluid production.
- Micropulse CPC: Uses short laser pulses to minimise collateral damage, making it a safer alternative.
- These procedures are particularly useful for refractory glaucoma or when filtering surgeries are not viable. Risks include inflammation, hypotony, or vision loss.
- Laser-assisted surgical approaches: Minimally invasive laser techniques to improve drainage and reduce eye pressure.
- Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI): Creates a small opening in the iris to relieve angle-closure glaucoma.
- Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT or ALT): Enhances trabecular outflow by remodelling the trabecular meshwork.
- Post-operative care: We provide meticulous post-operative care to ensure optimal healing and recovery.
Our Multidisciplinary Team
Our services are delivered by a team of dedicated healthcare professionals, including:
- Ophthalmologists: Highly skilled eye surgeons who specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma.
- Optometrists: Trained to perform eye exams and identify potential eye problems.
- Anaesthesiologists: Ensure patient safety and comfort during surgical procedures.
- Nurses: Dedicated to providing compassionate care and assisting with procedures.
To learn more about our highly trained and skilled experts, search on Find a Doctor under the speciality of Ophthalmology.
Regular eye exams are essential for early detection of glaucoma. If you have risk factors for glaucoma, such as a family history or advanced age, schedule a consultation with our glaucoma specialists today.
