Glaucoma is a chronic disease that affects the optic nerve and can lead to vision loss if not treated. Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is the main risk factor for glaucoma, and controlling this pressure is crucial for protecting vision. In this context, trabeculectomy and scleral surgery have established themselves as two effective surgical options for controlling glaucoma.
Trabeculectomy: The Classic Procedure
Trabeculectomy is the most common surgical procedure for treating glaucoma, with a history of success spanning decades. It is performed under local anesthesia and involves creating a small opening in the white part of the eye (sclera) and a conjunctival flap. Then, a drainage channel is created between the anterior chamber of the eye and the subconjunctival space, allowing the aqueous humor, the fluid that fills the eye, to drain naturally and reduce IOP.
Scleral Surgery: An Option for Complex Cases
Scleral surgery has become an attractive alternative in cases of glaucoma where trabeculectomy carries a high risk of complications. In this procedure, a silicone band or belt is implanted around the equator of the eye to create a filtration bubble that facilitates the drainage of aqueous humor. This technique is particularly used in patients with angle-closure glaucoma or with multiple previous trabeculectomy failures.
Benefits of Trabeculectomy and Scleral Surgery
Both techniques offer significant benefits in the management of glaucoma:
- Effective IOP Reduction: Both trabeculectomy and scleral surgery have proven to be highly effective in lowering IOP to safe levels, delaying or even preventing disease progression.
- Outpatient Procedure: In most cases, both surgeries are performed on an outpatient basis, allowing the patient to return home the same day.
- Long-term Relief: The results of trabeculectomy and scleral surgery can be lasting, providing long-term control of IOP.
