About Trabeculectomy
Key Highlights
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Effectively lowers intraocular pressure (IOP) to slow glaucoma progression.Can reduce or eliminate the need for multiple daily glaucoma eye drops.Helps preserve existing vision and prevent further optic nerve damage.Considered a standard and time-tested surgical treatment for advanced glaucoma.May be combined with anti-scarring medications (like Mitomycin-C) to improve long-term success.
Who is this surgery for?
- Uncontrolled intraocular pressure (IOP) despite maximum tolerated medical therapy (eye drops).
- Progressive glaucomatous optic nerve damage or visual field loss even with medication.
- Intolerance or significant side effects from multiple glaucoma medications.
- Advanced stages of primary open-angle glaucoma, angle-closure glaucoma, or secondary glaucomas.
- As a primary procedure in certain cases where medication adherence is a major concern.
How to prepare
- Complete a comprehensive pre-operative eye examination, including visual field testing and optic nerve imaging.
- Discuss all current medications with your ophthalmologist; some (like blood thinners) may need to be adjusted.
- You may be asked to stop wearing contact lenses for a period before surgery.
- Use prescribed antibiotic eye drops before surgery to minimize infection risk.
- Arrange for transportation on the day of surgery and for post-operative follow-up visits.
- Fast for several hours before the procedure if sedation or general anesthesia is planned.
Risks & possible complications
- Infection inside the eye (endophthalmitis), which is serious but rare.
- Excessive bleeding during or after surgery.
- Hypotony (eye pressure that is too low), which can cause vision blurring or choroidal detachment.
- Scarring of the new drainage channel, leading to surgical failure and elevated IOP.
- Cataract formation or acceleration of existing cataract.
- Vision loss, either temporary or permanent in severe cases.
- Leakage or excessive drainage from the bleb site.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Expect blurry vision and mild discomfort for the first few days; use prescribed pain relievers and steroid/antibiotic eye drops as directed.
- Avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, bending over, and swimming for several weeks to protect the eye.
- Wear an eye shield, especially at night, to prevent accidental rubbing or pressure.
- Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments so your ophthalmologist can monitor eye pressure and the healing bleb.
- Do not rub the operated eye. Use caution when washing your face or hair.
- Report any sudden pain, significant vision decrease, or increased redness to your doctor immediately.
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Typical hospital stay: 1 day (often outpatient or short-stay)
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Expected recovery time: 4-6 weeks for initial stabilization; full healing and final pressure outcome may take several months
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering trabeculectomy in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for trabeculectomy 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 trabeculectomy. 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 trabeculectomy compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | USD 385 – USD 936 | 1 day (often outpatient or short-stay) | ~ 4-6 weeks for initial stabilization; full healing and final pressure outcome may take several months | Know More |
| Turkey | USD 2,868 – USD 6,966 | 1 day (often outpatient or short-stay) | ~ 4-6 weeks for initial stabilization; full healing and final pressure outcome may take several months | Know More |
Top hospitals for Trabeculectomy in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated ophthalmology teams and experience managing patients undergoing trabeculectomy.
Vihaan Jones, a 58-year-old high school...
Vihaan Jones, a 58-year-old high school art teacher, had been managing open-angle glaucoma for over a decade with daily eye drops. Recently, he noticed his peripheral vision becoming increasingly blurry, making it difficult to see his students' work during critiques. Despite faithfully using his medication, his intraocular pressure (IOP) readings at his ophthalmologist's office remained stubbornly high, creeping into the mid-30s mmHg. His doctor, Dr. Evans, explained that the glaucoma was progressing and that the optic nerve was showing further damage. She recommended a trabeculectomy to create a new drainage channel and lower the pressure permanently, preventing further vision loss. Vihaan was terrified at the thought of surgery on his eye but understood the risk of blindness was greater without it. The procedure itself was performed under local anesthesia; he felt pressure but no pain. The recovery involved several post-op visits to monitor the new drainage 'bleb' and manage healing with steroid drops. After a few weeks of blurry vision and mild discomfort, his IOP stabilized at a healthy 12 mmHg. Emotionally, Vihaan moved from a state of fear and anxiety about losing his ability to teach and create art, to profound relief and gratitude. He felt he had regained control over his future and could continue his passion for teaching with confidence.
Ophthalmologists for Trabeculectomy
Explore experienced ophthalmologists who regularly perform trabeculectomy and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 27 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata
- 11 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
- 9 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
KMC Hospital Mangalore, Mangalore
- 27 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune
- 26 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 10 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata
- 43 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 20 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospitals Broadway, Kolkata
- 13 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Jaipur, Jaipur
- 27 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata
- 15 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
- 13 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune
- 9 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune
- 19 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Varthur Road, Bangalore
- 18 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad, Ghaziabad
- 17 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 24 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 18 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist