Trabeculectomy

Definition

Trabeculectomy is a surgical procedure that removes part of the trabeculum in the eye to relieve pressure caused by glaucoma.

Purpose

Glaucoma is a disease that injures the optic nerve, causing progressive vision loss. Glaucoma is a major cause of blindness in the United States. If caught early, glaucoma-related blindness is easily prevented. However, because it does not produce symptoms until late in its cycle, periodic tests for the disease are necessary.

Glaucoma is usually associated with an increase in the pressure inside the eye, called intraocular pressure (IOP). This increase occurs in front of the iris in a fluid called the aqueous humor. Aqueous humor exits through tiny channels between the iris and the cornea, in an area called the trabeculum. When the trabeculum is blocked, pressure from the build up of aqueous humor either increases rapidly with pain and redness, or builds slowly with no symptoms until there is a significant loss of vision. Trabeculectomy is the last treatment employed for either type of glaucoma. It is used only after medications and laser trabeculoplasty have failed to alleviate IOP.

Demographics

Glaucoma can develop at any age, but people over 45 are at higher risk. African Americans are more likely to develop glaucoma, especially primary open-angle glaucoma. Other factors, such as a family history of glaucoma, greatly increase the risk of contracting the disease. Diabetes and previous eye injury also increase chances of developing glaucoma.

Description

The procedure is performed in an operating room , usually under local anesthetic. However, some ophthalmologists give patients only a topical anesthetic. A trabeculectomy involves removing a tiny piece of the eye-ball,

During a trabeculectomy, the patient's eye is held open with a speculum. The outer layer, or conjunctiva, and the white of the eye, or sclera, are cut open (A). A superficial scleral flap is created and a plug of sclera and underlying trabecular network is removed (B). This allows the fluid in the eye to circulate, relieving pressure. The scleral flap is closed and sutured (C). The conjunctiva is closed (D). (

Illustration by GGS Inc.

)

where the cornea connects to the sclera, to create a flap that allows fluid to escape the anterior chamber without deflating the eye. The area is called the trabeculum. After the procedure, fluid can flow out onto the eye's surface, where it is absorbed by the conjunctiva, the transparent membrane that lines the sclera and the eyelids.

Sometimes, an additional piece is taken from the iris so that anterior chamber fluid can also flow backward into the vitreous. This procedure is called an iridectomy .

Diagnosis/Preparation

The procedure is fully explained and any alternative methods to control intraocular pressure are discussed. Antiglaucoma drugs are prescribed before surgery. Added pressure on the eye caused from coughing or sneezing should be avoided.

Several eye drops are applied immediately before surgery. The eye is sterilized, and the patient draped. A speculum is inserted to keep the eyelids apart during surgery.

Aftercare

Eye drops, and perhaps patching, will be needed until the eye is healed. Driving should be restricted until the ophthalmologist grants permission. The patient may experience blurred vision. Severe eye pain, light sensitivity, and vision loss should be reported to the physician.

Antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops must be used for at least six weeks after surgery. Additional medicines may be prescribed to reduce scarring.

Risks

Infection and bleeding are risks of any surgery. Scarring can cause the drainage to stop. One-third of trabeculectomy patients will develop cataracts.

Normal results

Trabeculectomy will delay the progression of glaucoma. In many cases, people still require medication to lower IOP.

Morbidity and mortality rates

Trabeculectomy is considered a safe procedure. Infection is a complication that could lead to more serious medical problems; however, it is controllable with eye drops.

Alternatives

Physicians will first try to lower IOP with glaucoma medications. Several types of eye drops are effective for this use. Sometimes a patient must instill more than one eye drop, several times a day. Compliance is very important when using these eye drops; missed dosages will raise IOPs.

Lasers are now used to treat both closed-angle and open-angle glaucoma. Peripheral iridectomy is used for people with acute angle-closure glaucoma attacks and chronic closed-angle glaucoma. The procedure creates a hole to improve the flow of aqueous humor.

Laser trabeculoplasty uses an argon laser to create tiny burns on the trabecular meshwork, which lowers IOP. The effects, however, are not permanent, and the patient must be retreated.

Transscleral cyclophotocoagulation treats the ciliary body with a laser to decrease production of aqueous humor, which reduces IOP.

A tube shunt might be implanted to create a drainage pathway in patients who are not candidates for trabeculectomy.

Resources

BOOKS

Cassel, Gary H., M.D., Michael D. Billig, O.D., and Harry G. Randall, M.D. The Eye Book: A Complete Guide to Eye Disorders and Health. Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins University Press, 1998.

Daly, Stephen, ed. Everything You Need to Know About Medical Treatments. Springhouse, PA: Springhouse Corp., 1996.

Sardegna, Jill, et. al. The Encyclopedia of Blindness and Vision Impairment, 2nd ed. New York: Facts on File, Inc., 2002.

Vaughan, Daniel, Ed. General Ophthalmology, 13th ed. Stamford, CT: Appleton & Lange, 1993.

ORGANIZATIONS

The Glaucoma Foundation. 116 John Street, Suite 1605 New York, NY 10038. (212) 285-0080. info@glaucomafoundation.org. http://www.glaucomafoundation.org

OTHER

"Glaucoma Filtration Procedure." EyeMdLink.com . [cited May 18, 2003] http://www.eyemdlink.com/EyeProcedure.aspEyeProcedureID=44� E; .

J. Ricker Polsdorfer, M.D. Mary Bekker

WHO PERFORMS THE PROCEDURE AND WHERE IS IT PERFORMED?

Ophthalmologists and optometrists may detect and treat glaucoma; however, only ophthalmologists can perform surgery. Ophthalmologists who are glaucoma subspecialists may have an additional two years of fellowship training.

The outpatient surgery is performed in a hospital or surgery suite designed for ophthalmic surgery.

QUESTIONS TO ASK THE DOCTOR

Will IOP-lowering medication be needed after the surgery?
How long will it take to determine if the surgery was a success?
Can cataracts be treated in conjunction with glaucoma surgery?
When will vision return to normal?

User Contributions:

karen graves

Oct 28, 2007 @ 4:04 am

I had a trabeculectomy about 4 months ago. I have develped something ( a place above the bleb) that is causing inflammation and eventually severe pain where I have to go to emergency room. the Doctor who did surgery keeps prescribing steroid packs but pain and swelling keeps coming back. What in the world is causing this pain? I really can't live with it, it is so bad and the steroid packs are terrible. I am wicked on the steroids.

nancy

Sep 17, 2008 @ 7:19 pm

Dear Ka,
This is the surgery I am having. I hope you get this. Love,N

Sherry

Nov 21, 2008 @ 1:13 pm

I'm getting ready to have this surgery because the laser didn't work, drops (several don't work). I am so afraid of complications due to inflammatory because I use Pred-Forte which is a steroid drop and I still have pain and inflammation along with pressures in the 30's. After the surgery, I will probably be on the pills too. They make me wicked also and overweight. There has got to be a better solution. I'm only 42 and I'm losing my zest in life.

jackie pertoldi

Jun 16, 2009 @ 5:05 am

I had trabeculectomy drainage in january, its now june and i resently went to A n E with pain in my eye, inflammation was low pressure was 10 before my sergery it was 52, they upped my pred forte too 4 times a day the pain has subsided so it must have been because the pressure was low,there is still a dull ache, i have a out patients appointment in 3 weeks so i will know more then,My post operetive was for about 10 weeks before i started to feel better a long time but worth it to save my sight.

Jo Stewart

Oct 21, 2009 @ 11:11 am

I am 80 years old and have treated my glaucoma with drops to no avail, i lost the sight in my rt eye about a year ago due to a retinal bleed and i am scheduled for the trabeculectomy with shunt for the 28th on my good eye. I am so scared, because if this doesn't work or makes it worse , i am basically blind. Jo Stewart

Joni

Mar 12, 2010 @ 3:15 pm

I had a trabeculectomy done almost three wks. ago.
my right eye pressure was 38, and my left eye is still 33, so I will have to have the left eye done as well.
I have had all laser treatments, which didn't work for longer than two years.
My pressure in the operated eye is 11 post -operatively.
My eye looks diferent than the other: it droops a little, but not much.
Where do you go to have the droopy eye corrected, and who does the surgery.
I don't know if I want my left eye done, but I will need to save my sight, so i will have to.

mikej

Mar 30, 2010 @ 4:04 am

i have recently had a trabeculectomy on my left eye. make sure that pre operation you ask lots of questions as most of the time they only tell you the bare minimum.
I had a lot of pain for week after op and my sight was awful for 3 weeks.
However it has improved a lot in last two weeks pain nearly all gone and sight almost back to normal. Pressure down to 12.
I did hace v low pressure post op, which led to choroidal leak and black lines, another issue they fail to warn you about, all gone now.
The op is essential in most cases so all one needs to be is well prepared and have a clear understanding of what is going to happen

Eugenia

Apr 30, 2010 @ 9:09 am

I recently had trabeculectomy performed on OD at Wills Eye. Pressure was 40mm/Hg post-op with meds. Post-op IOP is 10 - 13 mm/Hg, great success. Vision is a little blurry, did form cataracts, consistent with first degree relative Hx. OD requires no drops, however, close monitoring is indicated.

Karen

Jun 6, 2010 @ 8:08 am

I just had this surgery 3 days ago, nothing was explained to me at all, so I didn't know what I was in for. I am in terrible pain and just read what they do to you, my eye and nose are running and, I now read I could be in troube with inflamation. I don't think I would have done this if I had known what in entailed. |My pressure was never above 24 and it was lower when I went to the cararact surgeon. I am now wondering if I needed this surgery at all.

Pris

Jun 15, 2010 @ 10:22 pm

I had this surgery two years ago on my left eye. I had to have an emergency surgery because I had eye pressures of 65 in the left and 56 in the right. My left eye suffered nerve damage before the surgery because of glaucoma. With the use of drops, the doctor decided not to operate on the right eye (the good eye). Unfortunately, the drops are not keeping the pressure down. I am scheduled for my second surgery but this time on the right eye. I had a successful experience the first time. I pray the second surgery will be as well.

vickie

Jun 24, 2010 @ 2:14 pm

I had the trabeculectomy surgery but the pressure is still high and my right eye is droopy.What can I do about the droopy eye my pressure is 21 in the right eye after the surgery.I,ve been on the pred forte almost a year now is this normal.

Karen

Jun 28, 2010 @ 3:15 pm

It has now been 4 weeks, since I had my Trabeculectomy eye operation, I am still in pain, and it is red, I don't have my sight back, can anyone tell me how long you have to wait before this situation clears up. My surgeon did not explain anything to me as well he is very abrupt, i find him to be very rude. My vision was 20/25 before operation and my pressure was 20, I don't understand why I had this operation. Please can anyone ease my anxiety.

David Howlett

Jul 15, 2010 @ 2:14 pm

Firstly for those of you experiencing discomfort and pain, my heart feels for you and I hope that things improve soon for you. I am aged 48 with a family history of Glaucoma, as with my dad before, my eye pressure has significantly increased in recent times in my left eye. Three months ago it was around the 60 mark. After trying many different eye drops to try and control the pressure it was decided by my ophthalmologist that I should get quickly into theatre for a trabeculectomy. I was most comfortable with the idea as my dad had been there some 30 years ago. At age 81 he is still driving around and has decent vision in his right eye. Losing the sight in his left eye is what sadly alerted him to Glaucoma. I was happy to nip this in the bud before any loss of vision and was determined to learn from dads experiences and lack of education in this area. My trabeculectomy took place one month ago, a couple of days after finding these pages in fact, the experiences of others here did set my alarm bells ringing but I took the view that either i proceed or start to lose sight. One month after the operation I am still surprised how, in my particular case, I felt no pain whatsoever right up until now. My sight today is a little blurred and I hope for it to improve. It’s about 90% of what it was and i hope for some more improvement to come my way, afterall my operation was only 4 weeks ago now. Either way if I stay with what I have today then that will be ok when compared to walking around with eye pressures of 60 which was leaving me in a constant state of panic. Good news, my understanding is that there is soon to be an alternative to having a trabeculectomy, run a Google search using " iStent implant " as your search term, iStent is being pioneered in the UK today. While I have your attention may I just say that "Moorfields Eye Hospital" in London, England have been outstanding in my books. They have been looking after me for over 20 years now and Im most grateful for all of their help over the years. Best of luck to you all, don’t be afraid and remember that you are doing what needs to be done in order to preserve your site for tomorrow.

lorrie M.

Aug 29, 2010 @ 12:12 pm

I just had a trabeculectomy on August 24 2010. My pressure was in the 30's and laser iredotomy and several
kinds of drops failed to bring the pressure down. Surgery for my other eye is scheduled for Sept. 14th.
I'm hopng for the best outcome from this proceedure, but feeling discouraged because of the comments I've
read. Let's hear from others who have had better results.

lorrie M.

Aug 29, 2010 @ 12:12 pm

katie

Oct 4, 2010 @ 11:11 am

I have had two trabeulectomies, one on the left eye in September 09 and the right eye February 10. The left eye had several leaks, but was fixed with little or no complications. The right surgery was successful, but six months into the recovery the bleb developed scar tissue, and therefore required needling. Almost two years have passed and I still have pressures under 10, which is amazing. The only complications that I have had have been corneal abrasions from the needling. I am currently wearing a bandage contact lens on the right eye, but am drop free. All in all anyone who requires this surgery should have it, afterall glaucoma can cause us to go blind.

daveinboca

Oct 8, 2010 @ 3:15 pm

I'm due to have the operation next Wednesday at Bascom Palmer in Palm Beach Gardens. I dread the problems of one eye with high IOP, but since the right eye is unaffected, I feel okay that I still have one good eye left. That said, I haven't even been offered the option of laser surgery and now wonder if I'm rushing in prematurely.

ICG@HNL

Oct 23, 2010 @ 4:16 pm

I had the op done on Thu, 2 days ago. Just found this site and it's amazing how each individual is different. Doc decided on the op because of increasing pressure, low teens a year ago to 30 just before the surgery. Laser and meds didn't work and I experienced vision loss.

So far it's been answered prayers. Some discomfort, but I wouldn't call it pain. Vision was bad before and after a couple of days it's still the same. The eye is red, co-worker told me it's perfect for Halloween next week, it does look scarey. Pressure is down to a 7. Today he checked it again. First reading was 14. Doc pressed just under the eye and did a second reading, a 7.

Hindsight, because of the vision loss I should have asked for the op sooner. My right eye, 20/25 corrected, pressure is in the mid teens. If that starts going up, I'll ask for surgery ASAP. At 63, I'm still working as an accountant. It's slow but I can do it with one eye, but can't if the good eye goes bad.

Praying complete healing for everyone on this thread. Aloha Ke Akua.

Peter

Oct 29, 2010 @ 3:03 am

I have just had emergency laser surgery to relieve pressure due to glaucoma. Don't know what the future will hold but am grateful to the person who helped me in my time of need.

Aren’t us human’s marvellous creatures?

Pity we could not all help one another instead of the mindless and senseless stupidity we see around the world.

sharonb

Oct 29, 2010 @ 1:13 pm

I had a trabulectomy about 6 weeks ago. Two weeks after the surgery I had to go back and have laser surgery to loosen the stitches. Three days later I had to go back to surgery to loosen more stitches. I developed a large white bleb over my iris which seems to be moving down. I just came back from the surgeon and another stich was sticking out causing pain and he removed it. He put me back on an antibiotic and I have to put Pre-Forte in my eyes five times a day. I really regret that I even had the surgery and the whole situation is making me very depressed. I fear that the white bleb will eventually cover my entire eye of which I can accept; however, I think I would have rather lived with the high pressure in my eye since I had no sight in the eye anyway. I am grateful for the website and happy for those who had a good experience.

pat pavone

Dec 14, 2010 @ 10:10 am

my husband has had laser to lower IOPand it has. down 10in one eye 11 in the other with drops it has held. But with new feilvision test they say he needs the trabeculectomy. I was sure onces the IOP was lower you stop the vision lost.

Suzie

Jan 18, 2011 @ 3:15 pm

I had a Trabeculectomy in 1994 when I was 27, I'm 43 now. It saved my sight. That and a whole load of prayer. My pressure is now stabilised at 10. At time of surgery it was out of control at 56. Stats show there will always be a small percentage of people who develop complications with any surgery. If you trust your doctor's advice, then just relax,do everything you're instructed to and pray loads!

Yvonne

Jan 20, 2011 @ 6:18 pm

Did any one get a second opinion before having the surgery?
What is good pressure.My pressure is 15 in the left eye and 17 in the right eye. My doctor is recommending a Trabeculectomy in the right eye. I have not had laser surgery. Just used drops

Yvonne

Jan 20, 2011 @ 6:18 pm

Elaine

Feb 5, 2011 @ 8:20 pm

I'm in my late 30's and next week will be 2 months since I've had trabeculetomy. I've had bleeding, swelling, discomfort, pain and itching up until about a week ago which is the most normal my eye has felt since the surgery. And it's still not 100%, but something tells me this is as good as it gets. I now go for follow-ups every two weeks instead of every week. I am currently using the pred-forte every hour, per doctors orders of course. I am very concerned about the greyish discoloration on my eye, and the droopiness.

Are the discoloration and the droopiness permanent?

Elisa

Feb 25, 2011 @ 7:19 pm

I had trabeculectomy in March, 2010. After many follow-ups, I was told by my doctor that I had too much damage and that this surgery was unsuccessful. I do develop bad headaches and still continue to work in an office where I'm on the computer keying away. I have noticed pain, blurry vision and see the actual lens (cataract) that doctor put in and cannot really see good out of this eye. I also have high pressure in my right eye but won't even think of having this kind of surgery again. I wish I would have never had it done. Now I have a doctor's appointment Monday to see if I can get a letter for light duty and be placed another department where I don't have to be on the computer 8+ hours a day (overtime since tax season is here). I feel like when I look up in a hurry or sideways that I find it very painful and notice that my right eye is taking the whole strain of my left eye. Guess I'll have to see what my doctor says on Monday. Good luck to you all who are thinking of having this kind of surgery done. But please do your research, because it is quite a struggle to see after this surgery.

Roy

Mar 24, 2011 @ 1:13 pm

Question:
I had a trabeculectomy 9 months ago.Doctor said I got glaucoma as a result of taking prednisone(solupred) for treatment of ulcerative colitis.Now I see like a tearing/opening in the top periphery of my iris beside the operated area(triangular).I went to an ophthalmologist to check that tearing/fissure making an opening in my iris, and I was told it's a result of trabeculectomy and not to worry about it.

Can you please tell me if that's normal??Why now am seeing that tearing of iris?
Is it serious?Can you please explain what happened to my iris?
Thanks,
Roshan.

Diana

Mar 28, 2011 @ 9:09 am

I've had Trabeculectomy 1 month ago and the Dr. checked the pressure of that eye is now 11, it was 31, what is the normal pressure?

Barbara

Apr 15, 2011 @ 8:20 pm

I had a trabeculectomy in both eyes - the right eye iop is going up after 1 1/2 years - I am so disappointed - I am allergic to all the eye meds and the side effects were awful - plus the eyes looks so unhealthy when taking drops - if the pressure is still going up when I go to the Dr in 3 weeks my only alternative is to try eye drops again - my mom had a trabeculectomy and it lasted 15 years - she is 93 and is scheduled now for shunt surgery to save what eye sight she has left -
Not really sure what I want to do - hate the thought of taking drops again as my eyes look so much healthier - feel like going with prayer thinking it will work best

Mark

Jun 2, 2011 @ 11:11 am

I had a trabeculectomy on my left eye after a few years of using eye drops to control pressures was not effective anymore. After surgery too much fluid leaked out causing eye ball to collapse. Second surgery put fluid in to put shape back to normal. Pressure went way up, extreme pain, opening had become blocked 70+ pressure, doctor cleaned opening and immediate relief. I have blurred vision in the eye but can still keep my commercial drivers medical card. Eye has irritation due to dryness in the eye, not constant but sporadic. Bright light irritates the eye. But I can still see through it.
Three years after surgery on left eye the right one needs same thing. Doctor recommends a canaloplasty. Insurance denies payment but I do it anyway since have so many issues with the other procedure. It turns out perfectly. No side effects and normal pressures for 15 months now. In my third appeal with the insurance company (Anthem Blue Cross).
I'm 54 in good health otherwise. One other note is I was adopted so have no family history of medical issues. It may have helped to know but the social system does not allow me access. Too bad, it may have helped me be more preventative with some of this.

Ditas

Jul 1, 2011 @ 11:23 pm

June 15, 2011, my boyfriend (age 55) finally had his eyes check and I was shocked to learn that he ALREADY LOST HIS RIGHT SIGHT...and what was left with his left eye was LESS THAN 1% !!! 2 GLAUCOMA doctors ordered an immediate TRABECULECTOMY on his left eye to safe what was left with his eye sight. his eye pressure that day was 59 and normal eye pressure is below 20 or 15...laboratory test was scheduled immediately to check his health and vital signs... got a clean results so the surgery was schedule JUNE 21...his eye pressure that day was down to 23, and it was a good sign so they proceed with the surgery that day...
eye drops (pred forte and vigamox) was done on an hourly basis after the patch was removed the next of the surgery...
June 22, 1st post surgery check up - eyes very swollen but expected tho...trabec covered with contact lens for protection
June 24, 2nd post surgery check up - continue hourly eye drops
June 27, 3rd post surgery check up - contact lens remove and - eye pressure at 10!!!
June 30, 4th post surgery check up - 1 suture removed and eye pressure at 14. eye drops every other hour.
July 7, next check up...
...TRABECULECTOMY was an answer to my prayers to control the total loss of my BF's eye sight...

VANESSA SHEPPARD

Sep 5, 2011 @ 11:23 pm

MY 7 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER HAD TRABECULECTOMY SURGERY ON BOTH EYES. bUT NOW HER EYE PRESSURE IS 5 IN ONE EYE AND 16 IN THE OTHER EYE. WAS TOLD THAT SHE HAS FLUID AROUND OPTIC NERVE AND SWELLING ON OPTIC NERVE. WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?

chris mitchell

Oct 24, 2011 @ 7:19 pm

i had trabeculectomy 3 months ago and after 4 weeks had bleb leak. all was fine until resuturing and now in constant discomfort . my consultant has dismissed my pain and said see you three months. vision poor .ache and watery eye .pressures normal at 15. if eye not red you are told go away your fine. guess they just dont know sometimes .it is a long process and may not go back cant put life, work on hold any longer. u can outlive bad effects of glaucoma, surgery should be carefuly considered .

chris mitchell

Oct 24, 2011 @ 8:20 pm

hi. many of u seem to have so many unanswered questions due to complications after the initial surgery . indeed most opthalmologists act like a secret society and give little away. you can be in pain anxious and down right annoyed when you say without complaining , something is not right. ITS MY EYE. its like they mean dont fuss theres nowt wrong with surgical skills . when you only have relatively above normal iop go under the knife and so many post op complications .oct 2011

sherman

Nov 12, 2011 @ 9:09 am

It's been two years since my left eye trabeculectomy. Healing went well, and now with continued use of drops, the pressure is stable in the tweens. Question is this: I am hankering to do adventures like hot air ballooning and skydiving - items left on my bucket list. Is there any reason to fear the change of altitude and pressure will affect the bleb? Does anyone know of a friend or relative with similar experience. I am happy with my eye and don't want to blow it, but life is short and adventure is beckoning!!

Paula

Nov 16, 2011 @ 11:23 pm

My glaucoma was caused by a football injury 40 yrs ago. Drops controlled the pressure except for 1 pressure spike until a year ago when I had an allergic reaction to Combigan. The pressure spiked to 53 & 60. Laser created holes & an Iridectomy failed. A Trabeculectomy was successfully preformed on the left eye in Jan 2011. Pressure stays between 13 - 17. Fast growing cataracts formed in both eyes and the cataract surgery was successful. The vision that had been practically lost in the left eye for a couple of years has returned to a large extent... amazing. The right eye pressure dropped and remained low at 15 for most of the year but started to increase to 27 by the end of the year. I opted for a Trabeculectomy 4 weeks ago, Oct 2011. The pressure is up to 6. My personal opinion of the droopy eye is that there is an inside ridge under the eyelid, much like a windshield wiper blade. My opinion is that this ridge stops the eyelid from fully opening when it nears the bleb formed above the cornea. It's a small price to pay to enjoy the benefits of a stable reduced eye pressure and no more drying & irritating drops, which at last count was costing me $1,800/year. My biggest negative is the loss of my job because I was unable to see correctly when returning to work and the time I have to be off work without income while I wait for this eye to heal. I have work waiting and anticipate another 6 weeks before my vision stabilizes. No pain to speak of in the healing process & no complications to date.

Anne

Nov 22, 2011 @ 7:19 pm

I had the surgery on one eye almost two months ago. It has brought the pressure down from 42 to a steady 14 after all else failed and some damage had already occurred. The other eye is sitting in the low 20's with drops. If it ever goes the same way I'd be very reluctant to have the same procedure. My opthalmologist tells me the bleb looks perfect, very diffuse with no scarring, in other words a fantastic outcome. But, my eye is constantly irritated and sore, with the soreness concentrated in the inner corner and around the bottom rim. At times it feels very raw, and I feel like my life revolves around the discomfort. Lubricating drops only help for short periods. The doc keeps telling me there's no reason for it and no sign of corneal irritation. Has anyone else had this outcome? I find it exhausting and depressing.

chris

Nov 23, 2011 @ 7:19 pm

i am 4 months now since trab, i also have niggling ache and discomfort . doc put me on anti biotic drops just incase. they do seem to be reluctant to admit some people do hav pain and discomfort.wonder why that is ?. many times i am told there is nothing wrong all is good, but i still get spasms of pain or twinges. finaly aftr all that , my bleb thin and iop dropped suddenly went back and they may redo op . told them was a problem all along .hang in there anne, most of us will have ongoing discomfort .

chris

Dec 2, 2011 @ 4:16 pm

again so many of us ask why. why have a trabeculectomy? well u shouldnt . personally at 45 now 4 evr will b at outpatients .infections .drops multiple and constant .complications numerous .discomfort .etc.etc wont live to 65 and know wouldv not lost total sight .now 20 years control eye hospital .dont do it if young .this bleb wil honestly not help any way .

inflatu

Dec 9, 2011 @ 5:17 pm

President Zardari states he is great in health, feeling good and will turning around soon

Source: inflatu

Mark Ashley

Dec 31, 2011 @ 9:09 am

Seven months after my Trap. I still have pain in my eye, it also feels dry and like I have something in my eye. My Dr. keeps telling me the pain is not from the surg. I think it is, if I had it to do over I would not have this surg.

chris

Jan 9, 2012 @ 11:11 am

i too am seven months after trab with pain and discomfort. my doc said it was sinus but went back AGAIN and had to get anti inflamatory drops . have constant dry eye and pain , dont know why they say nowt wrong , must be a reason .am fed up .no way am i getn other eye done. even dwp medical think a trab is minor.why bother.i too think it not worth it .insist on upping the drops .not surgery.

Sue

Jan 16, 2012 @ 12:00 am

Just had my trab + cataract surgery on Jan. 9. From everything I've read and been told, I'm doing about as well as could be expected. They sure don't tell you all the details about recovery, do they? Makes you want to see them undergo a trab. But there's no point in them scaring or upsetting you ahead of time. After all, it's either surgery or eventual blindness. I'd heard such wonderful stories about bright, clear vision after cataract surgery, but so far the trab is spoiling it. Vision is way more blurry than before surgery, and that plus the irritation from the stitch(es) is making me frustrated, nervous, and generally miserable. But my biggest complaint is the blurred vision keeping me from driving. I hadn't planned on having to ask for rides to the doctor so often and taking 3 hours out of my son's busy day each time. I'm hopeful about a good outcome but dreading getting the other eye done.

My doc is one of those who did original research and studies on the iStent. I was hoping to get one of those instead of a trab, but the FDA is being slow with its final approval (supposedly coming "any day now").

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