Our Summary
This research study is about the long-term effects of surgery for glaucoma in children who previously had surgery for congenital cataracts. It looked at children who had this surgery in a hospital in Alexandria, Egypt, between 2005 and 2014, and followed up with them for more than 5 years. The study found that the surgery was generally successful and safe up to 13 years later. The success of the surgery was measured by whether the optic nerve damage was stable or improved, or if the pressure inside the eye was less than before the surgery and below a certain level. The most common surgical procedure used was a combined angle and filtering surgery with antimetabolite. The success rate varied year by year, with the highest success rate of 83.3% in the twelfth year.
FAQs
- What was the main focus of this research study on glaucoma surgery?
- How was the success of the glaucoma surgery measured in this study?
- What was the most common surgical procedure used in this research study and how did the success rate vary over the years?
Doctor’s Tip
A doctor may tell a patient undergoing glaucoma surgery to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including using prescribed eye drops, attending follow-up appointments, and avoiding strenuous activities that could increase eye pressure. It is important to monitor any changes in vision or eye pain and report them to the doctor immediately. Regular eye exams are also essential to monitor the long-term effects of the surgery and ensure the best possible outcome.
Suitable For
Patients who are typically recommended glaucoma surgery are those who have not had success with other treatments such as medications or laser therapy, and who have progressive optic nerve damage or high intraocular pressure that puts them at risk for further vision loss. In the case of this study, children who had surgery for congenital cataracts and developed glaucoma as a complication were recommended for glaucoma surgery to prevent further vision loss.
Timeline
Before glaucoma surgery:
- Patients may experience symptoms such as blurry vision, eye pain, headaches, and halos around lights.
- Patients will undergo a comprehensive eye exam to diagnose glaucoma and determine the best course of treatment.
- Patients may be prescribed eye drops or other medications to help manage their condition and lower intraocular pressure.
After glaucoma surgery:
- Patients will have a follow-up appointment to monitor their progress and ensure the surgery was successful.
- Patients may experience some discomfort, redness, or swelling in the eye immediately after surgery.
- Patients will need to continue using prescribed eye drops or medications to prevent infection and manage intraocular pressure.
- Patients will have regular follow-up appointments to monitor their eye health and make any necessary adjustments to their treatment plan.
What to Ask Your Doctor
- What are the potential risks and complications associated with glaucoma surgery?
- How long is the recovery period after glaucoma surgery and what can I expect during this time?
- Will I need to take any medications or follow a specific post-operative care routine after surgery?
- How often will I need to come in for follow-up appointments to monitor the success of the surgery?
- Are there any lifestyle changes or restrictions I should be aware of after glaucoma surgery?
- What are the chances of needing additional surgeries in the future after undergoing glaucoma surgery?
- Can you explain the specific type of glaucoma surgery that will be performed and how it works to alleviate pressure in the eye?
- What are the success rates of the specific type of glaucoma surgery you are recommending?
- Are there any alternative treatment options to consider before proceeding with surgery?
- How will glaucoma surgery potentially impact my vision and overall eye health in the long-term?
Reference
Authors: Bayoumi N, Khalil AK, Elsayed EN. Journal: Can J Ophthalmol. 2024 Jun;59(3):194-200. doi: 10.1016/j.jcjo.2023.02.010. Epub 2023 Mar 23. PMID: 36965510