What to Expect Immediately After Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery

If medicines and laser treatments haven’t improved your glaucoma, trusted surgeon Cory Bergman, MD in Rapid City, South Dakota, and Casper, Wyoming, may recommend minimally invasive glaucoma surgery to help lower the pressure in your eye. 

While surgery can’t cure glaucoma or recover vision already lost, it can help protect your vision and prevent it from worsening.

Common symptoms after minimally invasive glaucoma surgery

While the surgical procedure is minimally invasive with smaller incisions and less trauma than traditional surgery, you should still expect a few side effects and mild discomfort afterward. 

Over-the-counter pain relievers should relieve your discomfort but speak to Dr. Bergman if you’re experiencing more than slight discomfort or if the symptoms aren’t relieved after a few days.

Here’s what to expect after your minimally invasive glaucoma surgery:

Eye sensitivity

The first few days after minimally invasive glaucoma surgery may result in eye sensitivity and irritation. Dr. Bergman can prescribe medicated eye drops or recommend over-the-counter eye drops to reduce irritation while your eyes heal.

Blurry vision

You should expect temporarily blurred vision as your eye heals from the surgery. Do not rub or touch your eye during this time to avoid complications. The blurriness should gradually improve over the first few days after the procedure.

Light sensitivity

Another common side effect immediately after minimally invasive glaucoma surgery is light sensitivity. You can wear sunglasses outdoors or keep your room dimly lit to help reduce any discomfort caused by bright lights. Most people see improvement in light sensitivity within a few days, but some experience sensitivity for a few weeks after surgery.

Temporary activity restrictions

Dr. Bergman may recommend temporary activity restrictions to give your eyes time to heal, including avoiding strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and any activity that may expose your eyes to potential harm. Follow the post-operative instructions carefully to ensure you get the best results from your procedure. 

Follow-up appointments

You meet with Dr. Bergman several times after your minimally invasive glaucoma surgery so he can monitor your healing. During your follow-up visits, Dr. Bergman examines your eyes and measures the intraocular pressure. Depending on your healing progress, he may adjust your recovery plan.

Long-term expectations after the procedure

Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery aims to improve glaucoma management and reduce your reliance on medication. While the procedure can effectively control eye pressure in many cases, it is important to note that everyone responds differently to the procedure. 

Consider minimally invasive glaucoma surgery 

If you have glaucoma and need surgical treatment, consider the less invasive option with shorter recovery times. Understanding what to expect immediately after your procedure helps you prepare for a smoother recovery. 

To learn more about minimally invasive glaucoma surgery and find out if it’s an appropriate treatment for you, call the office nearest you in Casper, Wyoming, or Rapid City, South Dakota, or schedule an appointment online.