Our Summary

This research paper looks at the risk and treatment of glaucoma in children who have successfully undergone surgery for a severe stage of an eye condition called retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). The research looked at all successful surgeries for this condition over a two-year period at a specialist eye care center.

The study found that out of 100 surgeries, six patients (or 6%) developed glaucoma after their operation. The time it took for glaucoma to develop was on average about 17.5 weeks after the surgery. Two of these cases were managed with eye drops alone, while the other four required further surgery.

This study shows that glaucoma is a possible risk following surgery for severe ROP, but it can be managed successfully in most cases. The most successful treatment involved a combined surgical procedure using a drug called mitomycin C. This treatment reduced the average eye pressure from 25 to 12.2, which is a favorable outcome.

FAQs

  1. What is the risk of developing glaucoma after surgery for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP)?
  2. How long after the ROP surgery does glaucoma typically develop?
  3. What is the most successful treatment for glaucoma following severe ROP surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might give to a patient about glaucoma surgery is to closely follow post-operative instructions, including taking prescribed medications as directed and attending all follow-up appointments. It is important to monitor eye pressure regularly and report any changes or symptoms to your doctor promptly. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, can help support overall eye health and reduce the risk of complications following surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who have undergone surgery for severe ROP are at a higher risk of developing glaucoma, and may be recommended glaucoma surgery if their condition worsens or if they do not respond well to other treatments such as eye drops. Other patients who are typically recommended glaucoma surgery include those with advanced or progressive glaucoma that is not well controlled with medication or other treatments, those with significant vision loss or optic nerve damage due to glaucoma, and those who are experiencing severe symptoms such as severe eye pain or vision disturbances.

Overall, the decision to recommend glaucoma surgery will depend on the individual patient’s specific condition, risk factors, and response to other treatments. It is important for patients to work closely with their eye care provider to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for their glaucoma.

Timeline

Before glaucoma surgery, a patient may experience symptoms such as blurry vision, eye pain, halos around lights, and gradual loss of peripheral vision. They may undergo various tests to diagnose glaucoma, such as a visual field test, tonometry to measure eye pressure, and a dilated eye exam to examine the optic nerve.

After glaucoma surgery, a patient will typically experience some discomfort and redness in the eye. They will be prescribed eye drops to prevent infection and reduce inflammation. It may take a few weeks for the eye to heal completely, and the patient may need to attend follow-up appointments to monitor their eye pressure and vision.

Overall, the timeline for a patient before and after glaucoma surgery can vary depending on the individual case and the type of surgery performed. However, with proper management and follow-up care, most patients can experience improved vision and reduced risk of further vision loss.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with glaucoma surgery?
  2. What is the success rate of glaucoma surgery in patients with a history of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP)?
  3. How soon after the surgery can glaucoma develop, and what are the symptoms to look out for?
  4. What are the different treatment options available for managing glaucoma following surgery?
  5. How will glaucoma treatment affect my overall vision and eye health in the long term?
  6. What is the follow-up care plan after glaucoma surgery, and how often will I need to see my doctor for monitoring?
  7. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take to prevent or manage glaucoma after surgery?
  8. Can you provide me with information on support groups or resources for patients undergoing glaucoma surgery?
  9. What are the expected outcomes and recovery time following glaucoma surgery in patients with a history of ROP?
  10. Are there any alternative treatments or second opinions I should consider before proceeding with glaucoma surgery?

Reference

Authors: Chandra P, Tewari R, Salunkhe N, Kumawat D, Chaurasia AK, Gupta V. Journal: Indian J Ophthalmol. 2019 Jun;67(6):917-921. doi: 10.4103/ijo.IJO_33_18. PMID: 31124515