Glaucoma surgery

Glaucoma surgery helps lower pressure inside the eye to prevent further damage to the optic nerve and protect your vision. It’s used when other treatments, like eye drops or laser procedures, aren’t enough to control high pressure (also called intraocular pressure).

This surgery is performed by ophthalmologists, medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating eye diseases. At Penn Medicine, our glaucoma specialists use the latest surgical techniques and technology to treat all types of glaucoma and help preserve your sight.

Before considering surgery, your provider may try medications or laser procedures to lower eye pressure. Surgery is recommended when these treatments aren’t enough to protect your vision. If your glaucoma continues to worsen despite other treatments, surgery can help preserve your remaining vision.

Your provider may recommend glaucoma surgery if:

• Medicated eye drops or laser treatments haven’t lowered eye pressure enough.
• Glaucoma has advanced, putting you at high risk of vision loss.
• Medication side effects are difficult to tolerate.
• Eye pressure stays high even after previous glaucoma surgery.

Before your glaucoma surgery, your provider will review your medications and may ask you to stop certain eye drops or pills. Most procedures are done in an outpatient setting, so you can go home the same day. You’ll receive medicine to help you relax and anesthesia to numb your eye, keeping you comfortable during the surgery. In some cases, general anesthesia may be used.

Immediately after surgery, your eye may feel sore or be red, or your vision may be blurry for a few days. You’ll use prescription eye drops to reduce inflammation and prevent infection. You may also wear an eye shield while sleeping to protect your eye as it begins to heal.

Healing from glaucoma surgery takes several weeks, and each person recovers at their own pace. During this time, your care team will guide you on how to protect your eye and gradually return to normal activities. Most people notice gradual improvement in comfort and vision over the first few weeks.

All eye surgeries carry a small risk of complications, like infection, bleeding, or scarring that could affect fluid drainage. Your care team will monitor your progress closely and provide clear instructions to help you heal safely.

Glaucoma can silently damage your vision, so timely treatment by experienced surgeons is essential. At Penn Medicine, our glaucoma specialists use the latest surgical techniques and technology to lower eye pressure and protect your vision. You’ll have rapid access to experienced providers, coordinated care throughout recovery, and support from a team focused on your eye health.