There are several different types of surgery for glaucoma. Type and severity of the glaucoma, other eye problems or health conditions are all considerations that must be factored into the decision of which type is best. This procedure may be used to treat more advanced or aggressive cases of glaucoma. Most laser surgeries can be performed in the doctor's office or an outpatient surgical facility. Because there is usually little discomfort, eye drops are used to numb the eye for the duration of the procedure, and is often the only anesthesia needed.
Little recuperation is needed afterward.
Patients may experience some local eye irritation, but can usually resume normal activities within a day or two. Laser surgery is not always preferred. Filtering surgery is usually done in a hospital or outpatient surgery center, with local anesthesia, and sometimes, sedation. The aqueous can then drain through the hole, reducing intraocular pressure, and be reabsorbed into the bloodstream. Some situations require placement of a small tube or valve in the eye through a tiny incision in the sclera.