What Can I Expect During Glaucoma Surgery?

If you have glaucoma and need surgery, you may feel a bit anxious. The idea of surgery can overwhelm anyone, but understanding the process can ease your concerns. We recommend minimally invasive glaucoma surgery when other treatments, such as medication or eye drops, fail to control eye pressure effectively.

Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery can deliver effective results, and knowing what to expect can help you feel more at ease. In Rapid City, South Dakota, and Casper, Wyoming, Cory Bergman, MD, ensures you stay informed and comfortable about your procedure. Let’s break down the steps of the procedure.

Preparing for the surgery

We discuss every detail with you before the surgery and provide instructions for preparation, including any necessary adjustments to your medications. For instance, you may need to pause certain medications temporarily.

On the day of the procedure, you must fast for several hours to ensure an empty stomach if anesthesia becomes necessary.

When you arrive at the surgical center, our staff welcomes you and collects basic information. They review your medical history to ensure everything remains current. Before surgery starts, we apply numbing drops to your eye, and if needed, we may give you a mild sedative to help you relax.

During the surgery

We perform minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) on an outpatient basis, so you won’t need an overnight stay. The specific procedure may vary, but the primary goal remains to reduce eye pressure by enhancing fluid drainage through less invasive methods.

Common MIGS procedures include:

• iStent or iStent inject: A tiny device inserted into the eye’s drainage system to improve fluid flow.
• Hydrus Microstent: A small, flexible device placed within the eye’s drainage canal to help relieve pressure.
• Xen Gel Stent: A soft, gel-like implant that creates a new drainage pathway to lower eye pressure.

These procedures typically take less than an hour and use local anesthesia to numb your eye while awake. You may feel slight pressure, but discomfort is minimal. We prioritize your comfort and take every step to ensure the procedure is as smooth as possible.

What to expect after the surgery

After surgery, our medical staff moves you to a recovery area and monitors you for a brief period. Mild discomfort, temporary blurry vision, or light sensitivity may occur. We typically prescribe medication to manage pain and inflammation. You may also wear an eye shield or patch to protect your eye during healing.

You can usually return home the same day, but you need someone to drive you because of the anesthesia’s effects. In the days following surgery, you have follow-up appointments with us to monitor your recovery and eye pressure.

Post-surgery care and recovery

Recovering from glaucoma surgery takes time, and the duration depends on the specific procedure you had. Most patients can resume normal activities within a few weeks, but you must follow our post-surgery instructions closely.

Rest and avoid strenuous activities, such as lifting heavy objects or bending over, for a few weeks to prevent pressure on your eye. Take prescribed eye drops as directed to reduce inflammation and prevent infection. Following the schedule ensures a smoother recovery.

Contact us immediately if complications arise, such as sudden vision changes, excessive pain, or unusual redness.

Is glaucoma surgery right for you?

Glaucoma surgery is a safe and effective way to manage eye pressure when other treatments fail. Before proceeding, we assess your condition and recommend the most appropriate approach. We invite you to ask questions about the surgery, recovery, and long-term care to feel fully informed and prepared.

Feeling nervous about surgery is normal, but many people find it significantly helps them manage their glaucoma and prevent further vision loss. You can expect a smoother recovery and improved eye health with proper preparation and follow-up care. Schedule your appointment online or call our office to discuss any concerns.