Our Summary

Glaucoma is a condition that damages the eye’s optic nerve and can result in vision loss. It’s usually caused by fluid build-up in the front part of the eye, which increases pressure in the eye and damages the nerve. The current most common surgery for this condition involves creating a new opening for the fluid to leave the eye. However, this type of surgery can lead to complications.

This paper looks at a different type of surgery that targets a part of the eye called Schlemm’s canal, a natural pathway for the eye’s fluid. This type of surgery has a lower risk of complications. The researchers looked at various studies of these surgeries and found that they can be effective in both children and adults with glaucoma.

They found that making a full circular cut into Schlemm’s canal can reduce the pressure in the eye more than traditional methods. Different techniques have been developed to create this circular cut, and the results have been promising.

The researchers conclude that these Schlemm’s canal surgeries could be an effective way to manage glaucoma in both adults and children, but more long-term studies are needed to confirm their safety and effectiveness.

FAQs

  1. What is the most common surgery for glaucoma and what are its complications?
  2. What is Schlemm’s canal surgery and how does it differ from the traditional surgery for glaucoma?
  3. What were the findings of the studies on Schlemm’s canal surgeries and what further research is needed?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor may tell a patient considering glaucoma surgery that targeting Schlemm’s canal with a new type of surgery can be effective in reducing eye pressure with lower risk of complications. It’s important to discuss all treatment options with your doctor and follow their recommendations for the best outcome. Additionally, regular follow-up appointments are crucial to monitor the success of the surgery and ensure the health of your eyes.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for glaucoma surgery are those who have not responded well to other treatments such as eye drops or laser therapy, or those who have severe or rapidly progressing glaucoma that is causing vision loss. Additionally, patients who have certain types of glaucoma that are known to be more difficult to treat with medication or laser therapy may also be recommended for surgery. Overall, the decision to recommend glaucoma surgery is based on the individual patient’s specific condition and needs, and should be made in consultation with an ophthalmologist or glaucoma specialist.

Timeline

  • Before surgery:
  1. Patient is diagnosed with glaucoma and prescribed medication to manage the condition.
  2. Patient undergoes various tests and consultations to determine the best course of treatment.
  3. Patient may experience worsening vision, eye pain, or other symptoms related to glaucoma.
  • During surgery:
  1. Patient undergoes Schlemm’s canal surgery, which involves creating a new pathway for fluid to leave the eye.
  2. The surgery is performed by an ophthalmologist under local anesthesia.
  3. The procedure typically takes less than an hour to complete.
  • After surgery:
  1. Patient may experience some discomfort, redness, or swelling in the eye following surgery.
  2. Patient is prescribed medication to help manage pain and prevent infection.
  3. Patient may need to follow up with their ophthalmologist for post-operative care and monitoring.
  4. Patient may experience improved vision and decreased pressure in the eye following surgery.
  5. Patient may need to continue using medication or undergo further procedures to manage their glaucoma in the long term.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about glaucoma surgery include:

  1. What type of glaucoma surgery do you recommend for my specific case?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery period after the surgery?
  4. Will I need to take any medications or follow a specific post-operative care routine?
  5. How successful is this type of surgery in managing glaucoma compared to other options?
  6. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures available for my condition?
  7. How many of these surgeries have you performed, and what is your success rate?
  8. What is the expected outcome of the surgery in terms of preserving my vision and reducing eye pressure?
  9. Will I need additional surgeries or treatments in the future?
  10. What can I expect in terms of follow-up appointments and monitoring after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Elhusseiny AM, El Sayed YM, El Sheikh RH, Gawdat GI, Elhilali HM. Journal: Curr Eye Res. 2019 Dec;44(12):1281-1290. doi: 10.1080/02713683.2019.1659975. Epub 2019 Aug 29. PMID: 31438743