Post-Glaucoma Surgery: Common Concerns and Care Instructions

Q: Post-Glaucoma Surgery: Common Concerns and Care Instructions

Hello： <br>1. <br>Visual dimming： Early postoperative visual dimming may be due to inflammation or swelling caused by the surgery, and this condition typically improves gradually over time. <br>However, if this condition persists or worsens, please contact an ophthalmologist as s

Postoperative care after glaucoma surgery?

Hello Doctor,
I apologize for the interruption.
My father underwent glaucoma laser surgery yesterday, which involved using a laser to create an opening in the eye to facilitate aqueous humor drainage.
I have a few questions regarding some issues that have arisen:
1.
After the surgery, he mentioned that his vision seems a bit dim.
Is this a normal phenomenon?
2.
What precautions should be taken after the surgery?
3.
What symptoms should prompt immediate medical attention after the surgery? Can we go to the emergency room for this?
Thank you, Doctor.

Kunrao de ren, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/05/02

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello:
1.
Visual dimming: Early postoperative visual dimming may be due to inflammation or swelling caused by the surgery, and this condition typically improves gradually over time.
However, if this condition persists or worsens, please contact an ophthalmologist as soon as possible.
2.
Postoperative care instructions: After surgery, it is important to follow your physician's recommendations for rest, avoid vigorous exercise and heavy physical labor.
Maintain eye hygiene and refrain from rubbing your eyes forcefully.
Regular follow-up appointments are necessary to monitor recovery.
Your physician may prescribe some medications; please use them as directed.
3.
Symptoms that require immediate medical attention: If you experience severe eye pain, intense headache, sudden vision loss, eye redness or significant inflammatory response, these symptoms necessitate immediate medical attention.
You may consider visiting the emergency department.
I hope this information is helpful.
Wishing your father a speedy recovery!

Reply Date: 2024/05/02

More Info

Post-glaucoma surgery care is crucial for ensuring a smooth recovery and maintaining the health of the eye. Your father's experience following the laser surgery raises several important points that need to be addressed.

1. Seeing Dark or Blurry Vision: It is not uncommon for patients to experience some changes in vision immediately after glaucoma surgery, including a sensation of darkness or blurriness. This can be due to several factors, including swelling, the effects of the anesthesia, or the healing process itself. However, if this sensation persists or worsens, it is essential to consult with the ophthalmologist. Vision changes should gradually improve as the eye heals, but any significant or sudden changes should be reported to a healthcare provider.

2. Post-Operative Care Instructions: After glaucoma surgery, there are several important care instructions to follow:
- Avoid Rubbing the Eye: It's crucial to avoid any pressure or trauma to the eye, as this can disrupt the healing process.

- Use Prescribed Eye Drops: Patients are often prescribed antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops. It's important to use these as directed to prevent infection and reduce inflammation.

- Limit Physical Activity: Strenuous activities, heavy lifting, or bending over should be avoided for a period of time as advised by the doctor. This helps prevent increased intraocular pressure.

- Follow-Up Appointments: Regular follow-up visits with the ophthalmologist are essential to monitor the healing process and adjust treatment as necessary.

- Protect the Eye: Wearing sunglasses outdoors can help protect the eyes from bright light and UV exposure, which may be more bothersome after surgery.

3. Symptoms Requiring Immediate Medical Attention: Certain symptoms should prompt immediate medical evaluation:
- Severe Pain: While some discomfort is expected, severe or worsening pain could indicate complications.

- Sudden Vision Changes: If your father experiences sudden loss of vision or significant changes in vision, he should seek immediate medical attention.

- Signs of Infection: Symptoms such as increased redness, swelling, discharge, or fever could indicate an infection and require prompt evaluation.

- Flashes or Floaters: New flashes of light or a sudden increase in floaters can be signs of retinal detachment or other serious issues.

In case of any of these symptoms, it is advisable to go to the emergency department or contact the ophthalmologist directly.
In summary, while some post-operative symptoms like seeing things darker than usual can be normal, it is essential to monitor the situation closely. Following the care instructions provided by the healthcare team and being vigilant about any concerning symptoms will help ensure a successful recovery. If there are any doubts or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to the healthcare provider for guidance.

Similar Q&A

Post-Operative Concerns After Glaucoma Surgery: Allergic Reactions and Eye Pressure

Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about a suspected allergic reaction in the non-surgical eye following glaucoma surgery (under general anesthesia) on one eye. The symptoms include: 1. Eyelid swelling that gradually subsided over three days. 2. Intraocular pressure increased fro...

Dr. He Jianxian reply Ophthalmology
Hello Ms. Q: The normal surgical process should not affect the other eye due to any preparatory actions. I recommend that you consult your attending physician to understand why the intraocular pressure in the other eye has increased. Director He Jianxian, Ophthalmology, Nantou Ho...

Post-Surgery Concerns After Trabeculectomy: Eye Pressure and Visual Disturbances

Hello Doctor: Last month, a family member underwent trabeculectomy on their right eye due to elevated intraocular pressure from iritis. Recently, they reported seeing a line in the lower middle part of their vision, resembling a seam through glass, particularly noticeable when fa...

Dr. He Jianxian reply Ophthalmology
Hello Mr. HELP: During the trabeculectomy, it is necessary to create a drainage hole on the iris at the surgical site. If the drainage hole is larger, it may cause light interference, which your family members likely observed. Theoretically, after surgery on the right eye, the in...

Managing Post-Surgery Complications: A Case of Amblyopia, Glaucoma, and Cataracts

Hello Doctor, my mother was born with small eyes and amblyopia. Previously, she often experienced elevated intraocular pressure, and after diagnosis, it was found that she has cataracts and glaucoma. She underwent cataract surgery in mid-May, but since then, her eyes have been co...

Dr. Ke Meilan reply Ophthalmology
Hello: The patient is evidently suffering from filamentary keratitis. It is recommended to instill preservative-free artificial tears every hour, along with mild steroid eye drops (FML) four times a day. If this does not improve the condition, please consult Dr. Wang Yizhong at N...

Understanding Vision Loss After Glaucoma Surgery: Causes and Concerns

Hello Doctor: My husband underwent trabeculectomy for glaucoma in mid-March, starting with the left eye. After the surgery, his vision was blurry, and the doctor said it would gradually improve. The right eye was operated on a week later, and after the bandage was removed, his vi...

Dr. Ke Meilan reply Ophthalmology
Hello, Miss: Dr. Kuo Mei-Lan replied: When vision cannot be restored, the first consideration should be refractive changes. Generally, recovery occurs within a month. When the intraocular pressure is 8, it is considered good; however, for individuals with high myopia, significant...