Our Summary

This research paper explored how much paramedical staff at a large eye-care hospital know about glaucoma surgery and how well they can guide patients after the surgery. The study included 94 hospital staff - general nurses, ophthalmic assistants, and patient caretakers. They were asked questions about glaucoma surgery and post-surgery care.

The study found that all participants knew about the most common glaucoma surgery (trabeculectomy). Almost 96% knew that this surgery helps control eye pressure (IOP), and about 60% of them gained this knowledge during their training. Over half believed that surgery is usually the next step when medication fails, and about 62% knew that surgery can help preserve vision.

Two thirds of participants knew they should advise patients to follow up with their eye doctor as instructed, and nearly 79% knew that patients should see an eye doctor immediately if they experience pain, vision loss or discharge.

Interestingly, the study found that patient caretakers had significantly more knowledge compared to the other groups, and they cited eye doctors as their main source of information.

The study concluded that while the paramedical staff were very aware of glaucoma surgery, their knowledge on how to counsel patients after surgery could be improved. Therefore, it recommends ongoing education for these staff members to help them better inform patients about glaucoma surgery and the importance of proper care afterwards.

FAQs

  1. What is the most common form of glaucoma surgery that paramedical staff at the eye-care hospital were aware of?
  2. What percentage of paramedical staff knew that surgery helps control eye pressure and preserve vision?
  3. What were the study’s recommendations to improve the knowledge of paramedical staff on counseling patients after glaucoma surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip that a doctor might tell a patient about glaucoma surgery is to make sure to attend all follow-up appointments with their eye doctor as instructed. This is important for monitoring the success of the surgery and ensuring that any complications are addressed promptly. Additionally, patients should seek immediate medical attention if they experience any concerning symptoms such as pain, vision loss, or discharge from the eye. Proper post-surgery care and adherence to medical advice is crucial for the best possible outcome after glaucoma surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended glaucoma surgery are those who have not responded well to medication or other treatments to control their intraocular pressure (IOP). Surgery may be recommended if the patient’s condition is worsening despite treatment, or if they are at risk of significant vision loss. Patients with advanced glaucoma or those who have already experienced vision loss may also be candidates for surgery to help preserve their remaining vision. Ultimately, the decision to undergo glaucoma surgery is made on a case-by-case basis by the patient’s ophthalmologist.

Timeline

Before glaucoma surgery:

  1. Patient is diagnosed with glaucoma and prescribed medication to manage eye pressure.
  2. Patient may undergo various tests and evaluations to determine the severity of the glaucoma and the need for surgery.
  3. Patient and doctor discuss the benefits and risks of surgery, and the patient decides to proceed with the surgery.
  4. Pre-operative preparations are made, including fasting before surgery and possibly stopping certain medications.

After glaucoma surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes the surgery, which typically takes place in an outpatient setting.
  2. Patient may experience mild discomfort or blurred vision in the days following surgery.
  3. Patient is prescribed eye drops and given instructions on how to care for their eyes post-surgery.
  4. Patient is advised to follow up with their eye doctor as instructed and to report any pain, vision loss, or discharge immediately.
  5. Patient may need to make lifestyle changes, such as avoiding strenuous activities or wearing eye protection.
  6. Patient attends follow-up appointments to monitor the success of the surgery and make any necessary adjustments to their treatment plan.

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. What type of glaucoma surgery is recommended for my specific condition?
  2. How will the surgery help control my eye pressure and preserve my vision?
  3. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery?
  4. What is the success rate of the surgery, and what can I expect in terms of recovery?
  5. What post-operative care will be required, and how can I best manage my eye health after surgery?
  6. How frequently will I need to follow up with my eye doctor after the surgery?
  7. What warning signs should I look out for that may indicate a complication or need for immediate medical attention?
  8. Are there any lifestyle changes or medications I should be aware of following the surgery?
  9. Will I need to make any adjustments to my current eye care routine or medications?
  10. Are there any alternative treatments or options available for my condition, and how does surgery compare to these alternatives in terms of effectiveness and risks?

Reference

Authors: Shakya R, Ahluwalia NS, Shah C, Paul P, Jain BK, Pandit K, Gupta RKC, Ahlawat R, Choudhary P. Journal: Indian J Ophthalmol. 2023 Feb;71(2):580-584. doi: 10.4103/ijo.IJO_1766_22. PMID: 36727365