Our Summary
This research paper looked at the trends in glaucoma surgery in Japan from 2011 to 2019. Glaucoma is an eye disease that can lead to vision loss.
The researchers found that the total number of glaucoma-related surgeries increased by 215% from 6516 in 2011 to 20,569 in 2019. There was a significant increase in certain types of surgeries, including filtering surgeries, trabeculotomies (a procedure to improve fluid drainage from the eye), and procedures involving glaucoma drainage devices with plates. On the other hand, there was a significant decrease in cyclocryotherapy procedures, which use freezing temperatures to treat glaucoma.
They also observed a 49% increase in iStent procedures, a type of minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, from 2018 to 2019, with the majority performed on people aged 65 and above. In the 0 to 14 age group, trabeculotomy was the most common procedure, followed by operations involving glaucoma drainage devices with plates.
The study also indicated that trabeculotomy was the most common procedure done in combination with cataract surgery, and the number of these combination surgeries increased over the years.
In summary, the study found that the number of glaucoma-related surgeries is increasing in Japan, with a shift towards certain types of procedures like trabeculotomy and iStent, and a decrease in others like cyclocryotherapy.
FAQs
- How much has the total number of glaucoma-related surgeries increased in Japan from 2011 to 2019?
- What types of glaucoma surgeries have seen a significant increase in Japan according to the study?
- What type of glaucoma surgery has seen a decrease in Japan according to the study?
Doctor’s Tip
A doctor might tell a patient considering glaucoma surgery that there are various types of procedures available, including minimally invasive options like iStent, and that the choice of surgery will depend on the individual’s specific condition and needs. It is important to discuss the risks and benefits of each procedure with your doctor to determine the best course of action for preserving your vision.
Suitable For
Patients who are typically recommended glaucoma surgery include those who have not responded well to other treatments such as medications or laser therapy, those who have severe or uncontrolled glaucoma, those who have significant damage to the optic nerve, and those who have a high risk of vision loss if left untreated. Additionally, older patients, particularly those over the age of 65, may be recommended for minimally invasive procedures such as iStent. Combination surgeries with cataract surgery may also be recommended for patients who have both conditions.
Timeline
Before glaucoma surgery, a patient may experience symptoms such as blurred vision, eye pain, headaches, halos around lights, and vision loss. They will undergo a comprehensive eye exam, which may include measuring eye pressure, assessing the optic nerve, and testing visual field.
After glaucoma surgery, the patient will need to follow post-operative care instructions, which may include using eye drops to prevent infection and reduce inflammation, avoiding strenuous activities, and attending follow-up appointments with their eye doctor. The patient may also experience some discomfort, redness, and blurry vision in the days following surgery, but these symptoms should improve over time as the eye heals. It may take several weeks to months for the full effects of the surgery to be realized, including a decrease in eye pressure and improvement in vision. Regular monitoring and follow-up care are essential to ensure the success of the surgery and to prevent further vision loss.
What to Ask Your Doctor
Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about glaucoma surgery based on the findings of this research paper include:
- What are the different types of glaucoma surgeries available, and which type would be most suitable for my condition?
- Have there been any advancements in glaucoma surgery in recent years that I should be aware of?
- What are the success rates and potential risks associated with the specific type of glaucoma surgery being recommended to me?
- Are there any minimally invasive options, such as iStent, that could be considered for my treatment?
- How does glaucoma surgery in combination with cataract surgery compare to standalone glaucoma surgery in terms of effectiveness and recovery?
- What is the expected recovery time and post-operative care for the recommended glaucoma surgery?
- How often will follow-up appointments be needed after the surgery, and what signs should I watch for that may indicate complications?
- Are there any lifestyle changes or additional treatments that can help improve the outcomes of glaucoma surgery?
- What are the long-term implications of undergoing glaucoma surgery, and are there any potential risks of future complications?
- Can you provide me with information on the success rates and outcomes of glaucoma surgeries you have performed in the past?
Reference
Authors: Fujita A, Hashimoto Y, Matsui H, Yasunaga H, Aihara M. Journal: Jpn J Ophthalmol. 2022 Mar;66(2):183-192. doi: 10.1007/s10384-021-00898-6. Epub 2022 Jan 19. PMID: 35044562