Surgical treatment of glaucoma
We treat all types of glaucoma using the most modern and effective surgical techniques
The goal of glaucoma surgery is usually to create an additional aqueous outflow system to reduce intraocular pressure. The surgery can eliminate the use of medications (or significantly reduce dependence on them).
Types of anti-glaucoma surgeries
Non-penetrating glaucoma surgeries: non-penetrating deep sclerectomy (NPSE)
In the case of open-angle glaucoma, this operation is favoured because it is as safe as possible, due to the absence of pressure drops when the eye cavity is intact. In this case, the eye cavity is not opened, which makes it possible to reduce the eye pressure very smoothly.
If necessary, it is possible to combine antiglaucoma and cataract surgery.
The intervention is performed on an outpatient basis, the period of full rehabilitation is 1-2 days. Correct performance of the operation by the surgeon reduces the risks of potential complications to almost zero.
Penetrating antiglaucoma surgeries: trabeculectomy
The difference between this surgery and non-penetrating surgery is the opening of the eye. In this case, the eye is opened, while in non-penetrating surgery, the thin semi-permeable descemet membrane remains intact, making the eye airtight.
Trabeculectomy is a time-honoured type of surgery. It is used when glaucoma is already quite advanced and there is a need for a second operation.
Rehabilitation after this operation is longer, but the effectiveness is higher, as the results are maintained for a longer period of time.
When should I have the operation?
Surgical treatment is an alternative to drug therapy in the initial stages of the disease. In addition, it is the only possible way to stabilise the glaucoma process and preserve vision in advanced stages and advanced cases of the disease, when the effect of treatment with medication is insufficient.
Contact us
If you still have questions, call our friendly call center or make an appointment for a full diagnostic followed by a consultation.
Surgical treatment of glaucoma
Frequently asked questions
The main causes are impaired drainage of intraocular fluid, genetic predisposition, age (most commonly after 40), vascular diseases (e.g., hypertension or diabetes), eye injuries, and prolonged use of certain medications (e.g., corticosteroids).
Yes, provided you regularly monitor your intraocular pressure, take prescribed medications, and follow your doctor’s recommendations, you can slow the progression of the disease. Timely diagnosis of glaucoma is key to preserving vision, and our specialists can help you with this.
After being diagnosed, you should undergo regular check-ups with an ophthalmologist—usually every 2–3 months, depending on the severity of the disease. The doctor will monitor your intraocular pressure, optic nerve condition, and visual fields. If the disease is stable, the interval between visits may be increased, but it is essential to strictly follow the specialist’s advice.
Treatment may include:
- Eye drops to reduce pressure;
- Laser treatment (laser trabeculoplasty, laser iridotomy, etc.);
- Surgical interventions to improve fluid drainage.
Glaucoma is a chronic disease that cannot be fully cured. However, with the right treatment in our clinic, you can stop or significantly slow its progression and preserve your vision.
Acute glaucoma symptoms include:
- Sudden eye and head pain;
- Blurred vision;
- Rainbow halos around light sources;
- Nausea and vomiting.
Most patients can continue their normal lifestyle. However, it’s important to avoid overstrain, head and eye injuries, and spending extended periods in dark rooms. You must also adhere to your prescribed eye-drop schedule and regularly visit your doctor.
Eyes are an instrument—an instrument through which every person can explore the world, communicate, develop, admire beauty, and analyze. An instrument that is one of the primary senses of the human body. Without it, the quality and way of life become significantly more complicated, and many things that seem simple become impossible. That is why it is so important to undergo examinations in a timely and regular manner. Preventing eye diseases, detecting even the slightest deviations early, and providing effective treatment at early stages can save your sight and prevent blindness.
Glaucoma – Surgical Treatment
We often ignore various changes in our bodies, attributing them to stressful situations, fatigue, or geomagnetic storms. However, vision diagnostics—especially as we age—is something that must not be neglected. After all, any, even “unnoticeable,” symptoms can serve as critical signals from your body that should not be overlooked. Annual examinations and consultations with a doctor will help you avoid the exacerbation or onset of various complex diseases.Modern ophthalmology has reached a high level of methodology and diagnostics, enabling us to effectively treat and combat diseases at early stages, preventing them from worsening our health and life. Glaucoma is one of the eye diseases whose main characteristics are elevated intraocular pressure and gradual vision deterioration. Unfortunately, ignoring this condition or disregarding the prescribed treatment plan can lead to irreversible blindness. Therefore, it is important to visit an ophthalmologist from time to time and follow all recommendations. The primary cause of glaucoma is impaired outflow of intraocular fluid, which raises pressure and damages the healthy nerve. Surgical treatment can be an alternative to medical therapy. Like many other common eye conditions, glaucoma may be caused by genetic factors, age-related changes, systemic diseases (for example, heart disease), as well as farsightedness or nearsightedness. We cannot influence most of these factors, which is why regular doctor visits are crucial, as only a professional can detect the potential development of the disease in time.Depending on the mechanism of development, there are four main types of glaucoma:- Congenital (diagnosed at birth).
- Open-angle (intraocular pressure increases due to impaired outflow of intraocular fluid).
- Angle-closure (occurs if the iris of the eye blocks fluid outflow).
- Secondary (is a complication of other diseases).
Glaucoma Surgery at “German Eye Clinic”
Glaucoma, which requires a complete preliminary diagnosis and consultation with an ophthalmologist, is one of the conditions that our specialists know how to manage successfully. Glaucoma surgeries create an additional outflow system for the aqueous humor, eliminate the need for medications, and restore healthy vision. In our work, we use modern treatment methods that serve as an alternative to medical therapy and help halt the glaucomatous process and preserve vision. Our specialists perform three types of anti-glaucoma operations:- NGSE (Non-penetrating Deep Sclerectomy). Primarily used for open-angle glaucoma. This type of surgery does not require opening the eye and reduces pressure gradually. When performed by our surgeons, the risk of complications is reduced to nearly zero.
- Trabeculectomy – a penetrating anti-glaucoma procedure. Its main difference from NGSE is the need to open the eye. It is used for advanced glaucoma and has higher effectiveness.
- Anti-glaucoma surgery with Ex-PRESS shunt implantation. The goal is to drain intraocular fluid from the anterior chamber into the subscleral space via an implant. Advantages: fewer postoperative complications and a better safety profile.