Glaucoma Surgery Near San Fernando Valley, CA

At our West Hills and Encino locations, our ophthalmologists have years of experience managing and treating glaucoma with surgical procedures. Traditional incisional surgical treatment for glaucoma is recommended after attempts with medications or lasers have proven unsuccessful. There are several different types of surgeries for glaucoma. Each one of them is performed with the primary goal of lowering the intraocular pressure to slow the progression of the disease.

Performed in an ambulatory surgery center, glaucoma surgery utilizes fine, microsurgical instruments to create a new drainage channel for the outflow of aqueous fluid. Though serious complications of modern glaucoma surgery are uncommon, they can occur. Before considering surgery, it is important for you to visit a qualified surgeon who can educate you about all of your surgical options. The surgeons at the Ophthalmology Associates of the Valley specialize in advanced glaucoma treatments and can help you choose the best treatment option for your vision and for your lifestyle.

The specific benefits of glaucoma surgery can vary depending on the type of surgery performed and the individual patient's circumstances. Here are some potential benefits of glaucoma surgery:

• Reduction of intraocular pressure (IOP): By reducing IOP, the surgery can help slow down or halt the progression of glaucoma and prevent further damage to the optic nerve.
• Preservation of vision: By controlling intraocular pressure, glaucoma surgery can help preserve the remaining vision in individuals with glaucoma. This is particularly important for patients with advanced glaucoma or those who are at high risk of vision loss.
• Decreased dependence on medications: Glaucoma surgery can reduce the need for long-term use of medications to control intraocular pressure. Some patients may be able to reduce or eliminate the use of eye drops or oral medications after successful surgery.
• Improved quality of life: Glaucoma surgery can enhance the quality of life for individuals with glaucoma by reducing the risk of vision loss and the frequency of needed eye exams and medication administration. It can also alleviate the anxiety and stress associated with managing a chronic eye condition.

Generally, we suggest incisional surgeries for patients who have tried more conservative methods but have not experienced improvement. If you have tried prescribed medications, laser treatments or have failed previous procedures (including minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries), you may be a candidate.

As a way to reduce pressure in the eye, a new outflow pathway oftentimes is needed to alter the flow of intraocular fluid, which in turn lowers the overall ocular pressure. This can be performed either by creating a new filter via a trabeculectomy or by placing a glaucoma drainage implant.

Trabeculectomy – Considered the gold standard of glaucoma surgery, a trabeculectomy is a surgical procedure often performed after medication and laser treatments have failed. During the procedure, a new channel is created to drain fluid from the eye. An incision is made within the sclera, the white part of the eye, which then creates a collection pouch between the sclera and the conjunctiva referred to as a "bleb".

Ahmed Glaucoma Implant - A small, valved device that is placed on top of the sclera of the eye and secured in place to help drain fluid and lower eye pressure. The Ahmed valve is most often placed in patients with difficult cases of glaucoma in which other treatments possess a risk of severe damage to the optic nerve.

Immediately after the surgery, intraocular pressure may not be lower. Depending on how the surgery is performed, glaucoma medications may be continued during this period. For several weeks following the surgery, your ophthalmologist will observe your eye closely and examine you frequently.

How safe is glaucoma surgery?

The professionals at OAV take every precaution to make sure your glaucoma surgery is as safe as possible. Our staff is proud to use the latest technology and make sure all staff members are well-trained in patient safety. We can also help you weigh the benefits and risks when you join us for a glaucoma assessment.

How can I prepare for glaucoma surgery?

Patients should inform our team about any medical conditions and bring a list of all current medications and supplements during their initial consultation. On the day of your glaucoma surgery, leave your contact lenses at home and bring a responsible driver to your appointment. Our team can provide a quick list of instructions to help prepare you for surgery in West Hills and Encino, CA.

What are the costs of surgery?

The price of glaucoma surgery varies and can be a significant investment. OAV encourages patients to use their insurance plans whenever applicable. Our administrative team does accept many forms of payment and has flexible financing options to help you get the best service possible. Our goal is to make sure you get the eye care you need at an affordable rate.

How will my vision be affected immediately after glaucoma surgery?
Immediately after glaucoma surgery, it's common for your vision to be blurry. This is a normal response as your eye is healing. The blurriness typically diminishes within a few weeks, but the exact time frame can vary from patient to patient. It's important to follow our surgeons' advice and attend follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery.

How soon can I get back to my routine after glaucoma surgery?
Most patients can return to their normal routine within a few days to a week after glaucoma surgery. However, it's essential to avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and swimming for a few weeks as advised by our team. Your specific recovery time may vary based on the type of surgery and your individual healing process.

Will I need additional glaucoma surgery in the future?
The need for additional glaucoma surgery in the future depends on various factors, including the type of glaucoma, the success of your initial surgery, and how your glaucoma progresses. Some patients may require additional procedures, while others find that one surgery is sufficient. Regular check-ups with our eye specialists are crucial to monitor your condition and determine if further treatment is needed.

If you experience symptoms caused by glaucoma and other more conservative treatments have not offered relief, such as MIGS or eye drops, please contact Ophthalmology Associates of the Valley in San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles, CA. At our state-of-the-art facilities in Encino and West Hills, our expert ophthalmologists provide a variety of advanced procedures to help improve your eyesight and restore your eye health by decreasing the pressure. Please give us a call to schedule an appointment and learn more about how our procedures can help you manage your glaucoma.