Treatments for glaucoma come in different forms. Depending on the severity of your condition, your treatment options may include prescription eye drops, oral medication, laser therapy, surgery or any combination of these.

If any of these combinations don’t work, the doctor may recommend a trabeculectomy to treat your glaucoma. Trabeculectomy refers to a surgical procedure where your doctor will create a new pathway, or “bleb”, through which the fluid – aqueous humour – can drain from the eye. Restoring the eye’s ability to drain fluid can lead to a lowered intraocular pressure (IOP).

For more information on trabeculectomy’s procedure and risks, click here.

Although the surgery might not be able to bring back any glaucoma-related vision loss you have experienced, it may help in slowing down or stopping the progressive vision loss.

This surgical procedure is suitable for both open-angle and closed-angle glaucoma, as well as primary and secondary types of glaucoma. If you are diagnosed with glaucoma, you may visit our eye specialist centre EYECENTRIC at Subang Jaya Medical Centre (SJMC) to discuss the best treatment plan for you.

What is Tube-Shunt Surgery?

For more information on trabeculectomy’s procedure and risks, click here.

Although the surgery might not be able to bring back any glaucoma-related vision loss you have experienced, it may help in slowing down or stopping the progressive vision loss.

Tube-Shunt Surgery for Glaucoma

There is a risk that a trabeculectomy fails to fix your glaucoma condition. When this happens, another type of surgery will be performed on you called tube-shunt surgery.

Tube-shunt surgery – also known as seton glaucoma surgery – requires inserting a flexible silicone tube with an attached silicone drainage pouch into the eye to help drain the fluid from the eye. This procedure may be performed at the beginning if you already have or are likely to develop scar tissue in the eye.

This surgery also is often used to treat patients with a:

Severe case of glaucoma where the doctor may think that other procedures might fail
Type of glaucoma where new blood vessels grow on the coloured part of the eye, known as the iris. This is known as neovascular glaucoma, and it is most common in patients who have diabetes or vascular problems in their eyes.
Corneal transplant
After Vitreo-Retinal surgery
Complicated cataract surgery
Secondary glaucoma in adults and children

What to expect after surgery

Depending on your recovery, you might need to see the doctor within a day of tube-shunt surgery and another two to five times throughout the next six weeks.

Antibiotics may be applied to the eye immediately following surgery. Antibiotics may also be injected beneath the lining of the eyelid (conjunctiva) during surgery. The eyelid is typically taped shut at the end of the surgery, and a hard covering (eye shield) is placed over the eye. Corticosteroid medications are typically given to the eye for one to two months after surgery to minimise inflammation.

Physical activities that could disrupt the eye should be avoided following surgery. Bending, lifting, or straining should be avoided for several weeks after surgery.

If you are suffering from constipation after surgery, you may need to take laxatives to avoid straining while trying to pass stools. Straining can cause an increase in IOP. The doctor may also advise you to wear a shield at night to avoid rubbing your eyes while sleeping.

At EYECENTRIC in SJMC, our expert team can deliver state-of-the-art care using first-rate clinical practice and advanced medical diagnostics. Our team of highly experienced eye surgeons also offer a range of services, from surgery to fix cataracts to treatment of retinal disorders like retinal detachment and macular degeneration.

Meet our Specialist

Dato’ Dr Linda Teoh Oon Cheng

Designation

Consultant Ophthalmologist and Glaucoma Surgeon

Specialty

Ophthalmology

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Appointment

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