More people around the world are being saved from losing their eyesight. Much of it is thanks to advances in medicine and technology, including glaucoma surgery. Knowing what to expect after the surgery is almost as important as knowing about the surgery itself. 

After all, recovery occurs at home, making it vital to know what to expect after glaucoma surgery. It can help you recover quickly without complications. Here are the available options, what to expect after surgery, and the basics of glaucoma surgery recovery.

What Happens After Glaucoma Surgery?

There are two main forms of surgical glaucoma treatment—laser surgery and filtration surgery. These techniques increase fluid drainage in the eye, thus reducing pressure. The two procedures have similar recovery periods—about a month for a full recovery. 
 

Some people recover in three weeks, while others take up to six weeks. Typically, the recovery process entails mild discomfort. Your overall health and the type of surgery may affect recovery times. Here are a few things to expect during the recovery process.

Blurred Vision and Eye Discomfort

It is common for patients to experience poor eyesight after surgery. There is no need for you to worry. It only lasts a few days or over the recovery period. But losing eyesight is another thing entirely. It may indicate complications, so it is crucial to report it immediately. 

You should not be in too much pain or discomfort, so you will rarely need pain medication. It is typical for your eyes to be mildly inflamed and experience a slight itch due to the stitches. The eyes will tear up more than usual. Experiencing redness is normal for a few days after the operation.

No Driving, Heavy Lifting, or Other Strenuous Activities

During recovery, it is advisable to avoid any activities that would lead to eyestrain. You must keep as relaxed as possible to ensure a quick recovery following the procedure.

Take Prescribed Eyedrops, Do Not Rub or Scratch Your Eyes

Following glaucoma surgery, you will experience itchiness and soreness around the eyes. Blurry vision is also typical after the procedure. However, it is advisable to avoid rubbing your eyes after surgery. Instead, you can use prescribed eyedrops to help soothe these symptoms.

Avoid Swimming Pools, Hot Tubs, and Saunas

No matter how clean a pool may appear, avoid taking that dip. Swimming pools, hot tubs, and saunas are breeding grounds for infectious bacteria. Hence, it is advisable to avoid them during recovery.

Rest and Relax

During recovery, you must strive to take your time to heal. It means you should avoid any strenuous exercise or even regular work. It serves to prevent eye stress that comes from attempting to work with blurry eyesight.

In Conclusion

Following any surgery, it is essential to follow your doctor’s advice. Take prescribed medication and rest enough. For optimal results, take care of your overall health. It plays a huge role in recovering from glaucoma surgery.

For more on glaucoma surgery recovery, visit North Texas Ophthalmology Associates at our office in Wichita Falls, Texas. Call (940) 240-8400 to book an appointment today.