Glaucoma surgery

Glaucoma, also known as green cataract, is a common but very serious eye disease. In glaucoma, there is a gradual degeneration and death of the optic nerve, which can lead to complete vision loss.

Glaucoma is often referred to as the "SILENT THIEF OF SIGHT." This is because, during the course of the disease, the optic nerve gradually deteriorates and dies, yet patients do not experience any symptoms. Up to 50% of patients are completely unaware of their condition! 

Intraocular pressure

The greatest and most common risk factor for the development of glaucoma is high intraocular pressure.

This is why eye doctors emphasize the necessity of regular preventive eye examinations, especially for individuals over the age of 40—even when patients do not feel any problems. Increased intraocular pressure is not felt by the patient and can only be detected during an eye examination. If high intraocular pressure is not monitored and treated, it can be a cause of glaucoma.

Normal intraocular pressure (ranging from 10 to 21 mm Hg) is important for the proper functioning of the eye and the maintenance of good vision. Intraocular pressure values are influenced by the production of aqueous humor and its drainage through the drainage channels. If there is an imbalance between the production and drainage of eye fluid (i.e., if there is an excess production or if its drainage is reduced or blocked), the volume of fluid inside the eye begins to increase. This leads to elevated intraocular pressure, which compresses and damages the optic nerve.

Thus, glaucoma treatment primarily focuses on lowering intraocular pressure.

Glaucoma surgery

The goal of treatment is to halt the progression of the disease and preserve the patient's visual functions. The choice of glaucoma treatment method is always highly individualized, based on the current condition, degree of optic nerve damage, intraocular pressure values, and the course of the disease so far.

In addition to initiating conservative therapy in the form of lowering intraocular pressure with eye drops, there are also laser and surgical treatments for glaucoma. The aim of these treatments is to facilitate the drainage of aqueous humor, thereby reducing intraocular pressure.

At the Eye Centre Prague, we offer the following laser and surgical solutions for glaucoma:

• Laser reduction of intraocular pressure
• Trabeculectomy
• Drainage implants
• iStent inject W - NEW, fully covered by health insurance

Laser reduction of intraocular pressure

Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a gentle laser procedure used in the treatment of glaucoma, during which the natural drainage pathway for aqueous humor is widened using a laser, resulting in reduced intraocular pressure.

• The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia, lasts only a few minutes, and is virtually painless.
• It is an ideal solution for anyone who:
  • suffers from high intraocular pressure,
  • must consistently use eye drops to lower intraocular pressure,
  • is bothered by the constant application of eye drops.

• In developed countries, laser reduction of intraocular pressure using a special laser is the first choice before resorting to eye drops.

Trabeculectomy

Trabeculectomy is the most common surgical procedure for the treatment of glaucoma and is typically performed on patients whose previous therapies (such as eye drops or laser treatment) have not effectively reduced intraocular pressure, leading to changes in the visual field and deterioration of vision.

This is a penetrating surgery in which an alternative drainage pathway is created (establishing a connection between the anterior chamber of the eye and the space beneath the conjunctiva) for the drainage of aqueous humor, resulting in lowered intraocular pressure.

• The surgery is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia in the operating room.
• The procedure itself lasts approximately 30 to 45 minutes.

iStent inject W

A new method for treating glaucoma using two unique titanium microimplants, known as “iStent inject® W,” which helps patients restore the natural drainage of fluids from the eye and thereby manage their intraocular pressure. During the surgery, the surgeon implants two stents into the patient's eye, creating a micro bypass in the area where there is the greatest resistance to the drainage of aqueous humor. Once implanted, the patient neither sees nor feels the stents.

As of 2023, this procedure at the Eye Centre Prague is fully covered by health insurance.

• The procedure at the Eye Centre Prague is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia.
• The iStent can be implanted independently or during cataract surgery.
• By restoring normal intraocular pressure, patients may be able to reduce or completely eliminate glaucoma medications after the surgery.

This is a new method for treating glaucoma, and the Eye Centre Prague has become the first private center in the Czech Republic to perform this operation.

Price

You can find all information about the costs of individual procedures in the comprehensive price list.

Location

Glaucoma surgery is performed at our Eye Centre Prague. We are located in Holešovice, Prague 7 - Port7 / Nádraží Holešovice, Holešovice 1637 (just behind the Prague-Holešovice train station).