About Glaucoma Surgery
Key Highlights
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Effectively lowers intraocular pressure to prevent further vision loss.Can reduce or eliminate the need for daily glaucoma eye drops.Multiple surgical techniques available, including minimally invasive options (MIGS).Helps preserve existing vision and maintain quality of life.Often performed as an outpatient procedure with a relatively short duration.
Who is this surgery for?
- Progressive optic nerve damage despite maximum tolerated medical therapy.
- Inability to adhere to or tolerate prescribed glaucoma medications.
- Advanced glaucoma at the time of initial diagnosis.
- Uncontrolled intraocular pressure that poses a high risk of vision loss.
- Certain types of glaucoma, like angle-closure or congenital glaucoma, where surgery is a primary treatment.
- Need for significant IOP reduction that medications alone cannot achieve.
How to prepare
- Complete a comprehensive eye examination and imaging (OCT, visual field test).
- Discuss all current medications with the ophthalmologist; some (like blood thinners) may need adjustment.
- Undergo a pre-operative medical evaluation to ensure fitness for surgery.
- Use prescribed antibiotic eye drops before surgery to minimize infection risk.
- Arrange for transportation to and from the surgical facility, as you cannot drive after the procedure.
- Fast for several hours before surgery if general anesthesia or sedation is planned.
Risks & possible complications
- Infection, bleeding, or significant inflammation inside the eye.
- Temporary or permanent vision loss (rare).
- Cataract formation or acceleration.
- Hypotony (excessively low eye pressure).
- Scarring that can lead to surgical failure and require revision.
- Double vision or drooping of the eyelid in some cases.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Use antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops as prescribed for several weeks.
- Avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and bending over for 2-4 weeks.
- Protect the eye with a shield, especially while sleeping, for the first week.
- Attend all scheduled follow-up visits to monitor pressure and healing.
- Avoid rubbing or putting pressure on the eye.
- Expect some redness, blurred vision, and mild discomfort initially; report severe pain or sudden vision changes immediately.
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Typical hospital stay: 0-1 days (typically outpatient)
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Expected recovery time: 4-6 weeks for initial healing; full stabilization may take 2-3 months
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering glaucoma surgery in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for glaucoma surgery in India include Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Manipal Hospital Goa , known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform glaucoma surgery. MediFyr helps you compare ophthalmologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for glaucoma surgery compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 40 Thousand – 200 Thousand | 0-1 days (typically outpatient) | ~ 4-6 weeks for initial healing; full stabilization may take 2-3 months | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 140 Thousand – 700 Thousand | 0-1 days (typically outpatient) | ~ 4-6 weeks for initial healing; full stabilization may take 2-3 months | Know More |
Top hospitals for Glaucoma Surgery in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated ophthalmology teams and experience managing patients undergoing glaucoma surgery.
David Saxena, a 58-year-old architect, had...
David Saxena, a 58-year-old architect, had managed his glaucoma for a decade with daily eye drops. Recently, despite perfect adherence, his intraocular pressure (IOP) readings became dangerously high during a routine check-up. His peripheral vision, crucial for his detailed work, had begun to noticeably narrow, causing him to bump into his drafting table. His ophthalmologist, Dr. Chen, explained that the drops were no longer sufficient and recommended a minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) called a trabecular micro-bypass stent to enhance drainage. David was anxious about surgery on his eye but understood it was necessary to save his remaining sight. The procedure was quick and he felt only pressure, not pain. Recovery involved medicated drops and avoiding heavy lifting for a week. At his one-month follow-up, his IOP was perfectly controlled without the need for any of his previous three medications. Emotionally, David shifted from a state of constant, low-grade anxiety about going blind to immense relief and gratitude. He felt he had regained control over his future and could continue his career with confidence.
Ophthalmologists for Glaucoma Surgery
Explore experienced ophthalmologists who regularly perform glaucoma surgery and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 21 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 27 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 5 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 28 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
- 28 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 23 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 19 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
- 15 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 12 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 9 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 20 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata
- 9 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore
- 16 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Millers Road, Bangalore
- 17 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Ranchi, Ranchi
- 16 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune
- 13 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 10 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist