The procedure for most patients:

Typically, you will arrive at the hospital on the morning of the operation, go home a few hours afterwards and return to be seen in clinic or on the ward the following day. Most patients have their surgery under local anaesthesia.

What should I expect after my surgery

Eye drops are required for several weeks after surgery. The nursing staff will show you how to put these in safely. Sometimes weekly review by the doctor in clinic is required in the first month, to adjust or remove sutures on occasions. You should expect some discomfort in the first few days after surgery. Lifting, heavy work & running should be avoided for at least the first month after surgery. Swimming should be avoided for at least six weeks.  You may have blurred vision in the eye for two or three weeks after surgery.

Other advice

Although you may wash your hair and face, you should avoid getting water in the eye for the first month after surgery. Contact lenses generally cannot be worn after this operation. If you were advised to discontinue aspirin or clopidogrel before glaucoma surgery, then you should restart these the day after surgery - please check with your doctor the day after surgery as occasionally there might be a reason to delay restarting such medications.

Possible problems after glaucoma surgery.

It is normal for the eye to feel slightly gritty and to water for a few days after the operation.

Complications with surgery:  

Glaucoma surgery is delicate and can be difficult.  Complications do occur, but these are unusual and very rarely sight-threatening.  If you wish to discuss these in further detail, please ask at any time.

Infection:   With modern techniques, the risk of serious infection is less than 1 in 100 cases. However if, after leaving hospital, the eye becomes more painful, sticky and red or the vision gets worse contact the hospital immediately.

Poor vision: It is important to realise that glaucoma surgery will not improve your vision.  Indeed, vision may be slightly worse for a few weeks after the operation.

Cataract: Rarely glaucoma surgery can make a cataract worse. Cataract, of course, does not cause permanent blindness and vision can be restored by surgery.

Please remember: To ensure you have your drops & an eye outpatient appointment before leaving hospital. Please bring your glasses & eye drops with you when you attend the clinic

Restrictions – you must never rub your eye.

Please let us know: if you change your address, telephone number of GP.

http://www.glaucomaspecialist.co.uk