Familiarity with Treatment:

Trabeculectomy is a surgical procedure performed to lower intraocular pressure in the eye, particularly for patients with glaucoma. It involves creating a new drainage channel to allow the excess fluid to drain out of the eye, thereby reducing pressure.

Procedure:

During a trabeculectomy, a small piece of the eye’s drainage system, known as the trabecular meshwork, is removed or bypassed. This allows the aqueous humor (the fluid inside the eye) to drain out of the eye, lowering the intraocular pressure.

Who is it Suitable For?

Trabeculectomy is often recommended for patients with open-angle glaucoma, closed-angle glaucoma, or secondary glaucoma when other treatments, such as medications or laser procedures, have not been successful in lowering intraocular pressure.

Who is it Not Suitable For?

Trabeculectomy may not be suitable for patients with certain types of glaucoma, such as neovascular glaucoma or uveitic glaucoma, as well as those with very advanced or severe glaucoma. Additionally, individuals with a history of extensive eye surgery or scarring may not be ideal candidates.

Advantages:

• Effective Intraocular Pressure Reduction: Trabeculectomy is known for its effectiveness in reducing intraocular pressure, which is crucial in managing glaucoma and preventing further vision loss.
• Long-Term Pressure Control: Successful trabeculectomy can provide long-term control of intraocular pressure, reducing the need for ongoing medication or other interventions.
• Customizable Approach: The procedure can be tailored to the individual patient’s needs and may be combined with other glaucoma treatments for enhanced effectiveness.

Complications:

Complications of trabeculectomy may include infection, bleeding, scarring, and the formation of a flat chamber in the eye. Additionally, there is a risk of hypotony (excessively low intraocular pressure) and the need for further surgical intervention.

Preoperative Care:

Preoperative care for trabeculectomy involves thorough evaluation of the patient’s eye health, including assessing the severity of glaucoma, measuring intraocular pressure, and evaluating the overall health of the eye. The patient may also need to discontinue certain medications before the procedure to reduce the risk of bleeding or other complications.

Postoperative Care:

After trabeculectomy, patients require diligent postoperative care to monitor for signs of infection, excessive pressure, or other complications. This may include the use of antibiotic eye drops, regular follow-up appointments with the ophthalmologist, and adherence to specific activity restrictions to promote healing and reduce the risk of complications.