Glaucoma is a serious eye condition that can lead to blindness if left untreated. When traditional treatments like eye drops or laser therapy are not enough to lower eye pressure, doctors may recommend a glaucoma drainage implant. This small device helps redirect excess fluid from the eye, reducing pressure and preventing further damage to the optic nerve. While it cannot reverse vision loss, it plays a crucial role in slowing down the progression of glaucoma.

How Glaucoma Drainage Implants Work

A glaucoma drainage implant (also called a tube shunt) consists of:

• A soft, flexible tube that is inserted into the front part of the eye
• A small, curved plate that sits on the white part of the eye (sclera)

This device allows fluid to drain more effectively, reducing pressure inside the eye. The fluid collects in a small reservoir, where it is naturally absorbed by the body.

Doctors usually recommend this procedure when less invasive treatments fail to control eye pressure. Although it does not restore lost vision, it can help preserve remaining sight by preventing further damage.

What to Expect During Surgery and Recovery

The surgery to implant a drainage device is performed in an outpatient setting and typically takes less than an hour. The key steps include:

• Anesthesia. The patient receives numbing medication for the eye, and a sedative to relax.
• Implant placement. The surgeon creates a small pocket under the clear outer layer of the eye (conjunctiva), places the plate on the sclera, and inserts the tube into the eye.
• Fluid drainage. The implant allows excess fluid to flow out, lowering eye pressure.

Recovery Tips:

• Vision may be blurry for a few days to weeks.
• Avoid bending, straining, or heavy lifting during recovery.
• Use prescribed medications to prevent infection, pain, and scarring.
• Follow up with your ophthalmologist regularly.

Most patients will still need to use some glaucoma medications even after receiving the implant.

Possible Risks and Complications

As with any surgery, glaucoma drainage implant procedures carry risks. Potential complications include:

• Infection or bleeding in the eye
• Scarring that affects drainage
• Excess fluid loss, leading to very low eye pressure
• Cataracts or swelling of the cornea
• Vision loss or double vision

It’s essential to contact your ophthalmologist immediately if the eye becomes red, painful, or feels abnormal after surgery. These could be signs of a serious infection.

Before deciding on surgery, your doctor will discuss both the benefits and risks to determine if a drainage implant is the right option for managing your glaucoma.

*Boyd, K. (2024, September 16). What Is a Glaucoma Drainage Implant? American Academy of Ophthalmology. https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/glaucoma-drainage-implants 

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