Trabeculectomy

Trabeculectomy is the most commonly performed surgical procedure to reduce eye pressure. It is recommended when other glaucoma treatments, such as eye drops and laser procedures, have been unsuccessful.

In trabeculectomy, a channel is created to enable fluid to flow from inside your eye into a reservoir located underneath your eye’s natural lining, the conjunctiva. This reservoir, known as the bleb, is formed under the top eyelid where it is usually not visible. Medications are used to prevent scarring of this bleb, and hence improve the success of the operation.

The aim of trabeculectomy surgery is to reduce the risk of further damage to your optic nerve by lowering and reducing fluctuations in the eye pressure. Although it will not improve your vision nor repair pre-existing damage to the optic nerve, it will help protect your vision in the long term.

Trabeculectomy is considered the “gold standard” procedure for patients with moderate to advanced glaucoma. It provides definitive long-term eye pressure control and effectively slows the progression of glaucoma. The surgery takes one hour and is usually performed under a local anaesthetic.