Severe Glaucoma Treatment in Cape Coral, FL

A trabeculectomy is a procedure that is performed to treat severe or advanced glaucoma. Glaucoma is an eye disease that develops due to abnormal pressure in the eye. During a trabeculectomy, a small channel is created in the white portion of the eye (sclera) to carefully drain fluid in order to lower abnormal intraocular pressure. The new drainage opening is created at the edge of the iris in the upper portion of the eye underneath the eyelid. A trabeculectomy helps prevent further damage to the optic nerve and future vision loss for patients with glaucoma. Contact the Cataract & Refractive Institute of Florida to schedule a private consultation with board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. James Croley to see if trabeculectomy is right for you. We boast locations in Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres, and Bonita Springs, FL.

The first step in determining if you are an ideal candidate for a trabeculectomy is to have a comprehensive eye exam at the Cataract & Refractive Institute of Florida. A series of diagnostic tests will be performed to assess the stage and type of glaucoma. Some factors that will be considered are your overall ocular health, intraocular pressure range, history of eye inflammation, and medications you are currently taking (if any). A trabeculectomy is traditionally recommended for those who have tried more conservative methods or laser treatments without success. 

The front of the eye is full of fluid that is drained through an area called the trabecular meshwork. When a patient has severe glaucoma, the fluid is unable to drain properly through this channel, which is why a trabeculectomy is performed. 

Trabeculectomy is an outpatient procedure and at the start of your surgery, the eye will be numbed and additional medicine will be administered to help keep you comfortable. Most patients feel mild pressure during surgery, but this is usually very tolerable. To begin, Dr. Croley will make an incision in the outer, clear portion of the eye to access the white portion of the eye (sclera). A small flap is then created in the sclera, and a tiny piece of tissue is removed to create an opening. The flap is then sewn back into place to secure the new channel. This opening serves as a new meshwork to gradually drain liquid from the eye to lower abnormal intraocular pressure. 

Once your surgery is complete, a protective bandage will be placed over the eye to ensure optimal healing. The patch will need to be worn for the first 24 hours after surgery and placed on every night before bedtime for the next 2 – 6 weeks. Prescription eye drops and a topical anesthetic will be given to help control inflammation and reduce discomfort. Follow-up appointments will also be scheduled so Dr. Croley can closely monitor your healing progress. Recovery time will vary from patient to patient, but on average, recovery from a trabeculectomy takes about 2 – 6 weeks.

What is the most severe form of glaucoma?

Generally, the most serious classification of this eye disease is known as closed-angle glaucoma. This form of glaucoma is designated as a medical emergency and should be treated as soon as possible in order to prevent any further damage to the eye(s).

What are the symptoms of severe glaucoma?

Severe glaucoma has a number of symptoms, including strong headaches, eye pain, nausea, vomiting, blurry vision, halos around lights, and redness in the eyes. If you're experiencing any of these abnormalities, it's important to reach out to Cataract & Refractive Institute of Florida to discover if you may have severe glaucoma.

What causes glaucoma?

By better understanding the root causes of glaucoma, you can learn how to avoid it or perhaps identify it very early on. This condition usually stems from one or more of a myriad of issues, including:

• Dilating eye drops
• Restricted drainage in your eye
• Certain medications
• Poor blood flow to the optic nerve
• High blood pressure

A trabeculectomy improves how fluid drains from the eye to reduce intraocular pressure. If you have severe or advanced glaucoma and have tried other treatments without success, contact the Cataract & Refractive Institute of Florida. We will be happy to set up a private consultation with Dr. Croley so you can discuss all of your questions and concerns. Many patients have experienced great results from a trabeculectomy, but with any surgical procedure, there are risks to consider. Contact our office in Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres, or Bonita Springs, FL to learn more.