Our Summary

This study looked at how often people visited the emergency department (ED) after having glaucoma surgery. The researchers looked at all the glaucoma surgeries performed in a single hospital between 2013 and 2021. They found that about 5.7% of patients visited the ED within 50 days after their surgery, and almost half of these visits were due to eye-related problems.

The study revealed that patients who came to the ED with an eye problem tended to be younger and showed up earlier than those with non-eye problems. White patients were more likely than Black patients to visit the ED with eye problems. People having their first glaucoma surgery were more likely to end up in the ED than those who had had more than one surgery.

Furthermore, patients who had traditional surgeries were more likely to visit the ED with an eye problem than those who had a procedure called a trabecular meshwork bypass stent. Surgeries called filtering surgeries and tube revisions were more likely to result in serious vision-threatening conditions.

The study concludes that while few people visit the ED after glaucoma surgery, those that do tend to be younger, or those having their first surgery. Also, certain types of surgeries were more likely to result in ED visits. Most of the patients who did visit the ED got medical treatment, usually eye drops to lower the pressure in the eye.

FAQs

  1. What percentage of patients visited the emergency department after having glaucoma surgery in the study?
  2. Who are more likely to visit the ED after glaucoma surgery according to the study?
  3. Are certain types of glaucoma surgeries more likely to result in ED visits?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about glaucoma surgery is to closely follow post-operative care instructions provided by the surgeon. This can include using prescribed eye drops as directed, attending follow-up appointments, and avoiding activities that could increase eye pressure, such as heavy lifting or straining. It is also important to report any unusual symptoms or changes in vision to the doctor promptly, as early detection and treatment of complications can help prevent the need for emergency department visits.

Suitable For

Overall, patients who are younger, having their first glaucoma surgery, or undergoing certain types of surgeries such as traditional filtering surgeries or tube revisions are more likely to be recommended for glaucoma surgery. Additionally, patients who experience complications or eye-related problems following surgery may be advised to seek emergency medical care.

Timeline

Overall, the timeline of a patient before and after glaucoma surgery can be summarized as follows:

Before surgery:

  1. Patient is diagnosed with glaucoma and recommended for surgery by an ophthalmologist.
  2. Patient undergoes pre-operative evaluations and tests to assess their eye health and determine the best surgical approach.
  3. Patient schedules surgery and receives instructions on how to prepare for the procedure, including any necessary medication adjustments or restrictions on eating and drinking.

After surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes the glaucoma surgery, which may involve traditional surgeries or newer procedures like trabecular meshwork bypass stent.
  2. Patient is monitored closely in the immediate post-operative period for any complications or adverse reactions.
  3. Patient may experience some discomfort or temporary vision changes in the days following surgery.
  4. Patient follows up with their ophthalmologist for regular check-ups and monitoring of their eye pressure and vision.
  5. If necessary, patient may be prescribed eye drops or other medications to manage their eye pressure and prevent further damage.
  6. Patient may experience a visit to the emergency department if they develop any serious eye-related problems post-surgery, such as infection or increased intraocular pressure.
  7. With appropriate medical treatment, most patients recover well from glaucoma surgery and experience improved eye health and vision.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about glaucoma surgery based on this study include:

  1. What is the likelihood of needing to visit the emergency department after glaucoma surgery?
  2. What are the common reasons for visiting the emergency department after glaucoma surgery?
  3. Are there any factors, such as age or previous surgeries, that may increase the risk of needing emergency care after glaucoma surgery?
  4. What types of glaucoma surgeries are associated with a higher likelihood of requiring emergency care?
  5. What steps can be taken to reduce the risk of complications that may lead to an emergency department visit after glaucoma surgery?
  6. What should I do if I experience any concerning symptoms after my glaucoma surgery?
  7. How can I best prepare for the recovery period after glaucoma surgery to minimize the risk of needing emergency care?
  8. Are there any specific warning signs or symptoms that I should watch out for that may indicate a need for emergency medical attention after glaucoma surgery?

Reference

Authors: Gross AW, Aggarwal S, Rathinavelu JK, Stinnett SS, Herndon LW. Journal: Ophthalmol Glaucoma. 2025 Jan-Feb;8(1):37-45. doi: 10.1016/j.ogla.2024.09.001. Epub 2024 Sep 12. PMID: 39277172