Trabeculectomy in Napa, CA

Glaucoma, a disease where fluid buildup in the eye causes damage to the eye's optic nerve, is one of the top causes of vision loss among people 60 and older. Vision loss caused by glaucoma is irreversible, but surgeries and treatments can help slow or stop the disease's progression. Precision Surgery Center of Napa Valley offers multiple surgical treatments for glaucoma, including trabeculectomy, which treats glaucoma by lowering eye pressure or intraocular pressure (IOP). This is accomplished by creating a small hole in the eye's sclera, or outer wall, and a little pocket called a filtration bleb through which the fluid causing the pressure buildup can escape and drain. To discuss this glaucoma operation procedure and other means of treating glaucoma, schedule a consultation with an ophthalmologist at our surgical facility in Napa, CA.

The main goal of a trabeculectomy is to prevent further vision loss in individuals suffering from glaucoma by lowering IOP. Some of the other benefits of this procedure can include:

• Aiding in preserving residual vision
• Reducing pain in the affected eye
• Reducing the need for medication to manage the condition

To qualify for this glaucoma treatment in Napa, CA, patients typically have intraocular pressure that has been unresponsive to other treatments, such as prescription eye drops or medications. After a trabeculectomy, some patients are able to have a normal range of eye pressure without taking medication, while others may still require medication to manage their eye pressure. Patients with severe glaucoma who have already had one or more eye surgeries will likely need a different treatment approach than trabeculectomy. If you have glaucoma, your ophthalmologist will discuss all your options for treatment with you.

Our state-of-the-art surgical center performs traditional and selective laser trabeculectomies under local or general anesthesia. After your eye has been numbed, we will insert a device to keep your eye open throughout the procedure. Your trabeculectomy procedure should last around 45 – 60 minutes. Following the procedure, your eye will be patched to allow for healing. 

After your trabeculectomy, you should arrange for a trusted family member or friend to drive you home. You may have some soreness around your eye immediately following the procedure. You can expect your recovery process to last between 2 – 6 weeks, though it could take up to 12 weeks for your vision to return to normal. Your ophthalmologist may prescribe you medicated eye drops to help promote healing and prevent scarring. It is important to avoid rubbing or pressing your eye during recovery. To avoid pressing on your eye while you sleep, you should wear an eye shield and use extra pillows to keep you from turning onto your eye. Your ophthalmologist will review your exact aftercare instructions with you before your procedure. If you have any questions or concerns about the recovery process of a trabeculectomy at our Napa, CA surgery center, please do not hesitate to ask our team.

How long does a trabeculectomy take?
The surgery can typically be completed in around one hour. Once completed, you should attend follow-up appointments with your surgical team.

Is a trabeculectomy painful?
Your eyes will be numbed so you experience minimal discomfort during the procedure. Following surgery, you may have a scratchy, foreign-body sensation in your eye. If you experience more pain, then please get in touch with our facility right away.

How successful is a trabeculectomy?
Trabeculectomy has a very high success rate long-term. If your eye pressure continues to pose a problem after surgery, your ophthalmologist will review other options regarding what we can do to reduce your eye pressure.

Does a trabeculectomy have long-term results?
Yes, a trabeculectomy often produces long-term results. While it varies from person to person, some patients report their results lasting over 20 years.

If you have been diagnosed with glaucoma and other glaucoma treatment options have not been effective for you, then a trabeculectomy may be the answer to lowering your intraocular pressure and slowing the progression of the disease. Talk to one of our experienced ophthalmologists at Precision Surgery Center of Napa Valley in Napa, CA to determine what your options are.