Undergoing glaucoma surgery can be a relief for patients who stand the risk of losing their vision. However, this can also lead to questions about how long it takes to recover from glaucoma surgery as well as the success rates of your procedure. These numbers can vary based on different factors, but it still helps to know the basics in order to be prepared.
It typically takes between a few days to weeks to start seeing results from your glaucoma surgery. There are certain instances where it can take a few months, but these are rare. Success rates for glaucoma surgery can depend on the type of surgery you have. In both instances, other factors such as medications and the severity of your case can affect your outcomes.
How Long Does It Take to Recover from Glaucoma Surgery?
You can expect to see improvements in your vision in the days and weeks following your glaucoma surgery. Keep in mind that there are rare cases where recovery can last months. That’s why it’s important to understand that glaucoma surgery recovery can vary based on the type of treatment you receive.
Consider how long it takes to recover from minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, or MIGS for short. Since it’s minimally invasive, MIGS often requires much less time to recover than more invasive surgical procedures such as:
- Trabeculectomy
- ExPress mini shunt
- Aqueous tube shunts
That’s because these treatments are considered major surgeries while MIGS is not. In these cases, you can expect your recovery to take longer than if you undergo more invasive procedures.
But the type of procedure your glaucoma specialist performs isn’t the only factor in your recovery time. Other factors also play an important role, including:
- Any medications you’re taking, such as blood thinners
- How severe your case of glaucoma is
- Your unique eye’s reaction to glaucoma surgery
This is why it’s so important to talk to your Knoxville glaucoma specialist about what to expect and how long your recovery will take. They can provide practical expectations about your glaucoma procedure and advise you on how to recover effectively.
Also, with intimate knowledge of your medical history and your particular case, they will be able to provide you with a more accurate timeline. By following their instructions closely, you’ll be able to recover as quickly as possible.
Click here to read our comprehensive guide to glaucoma surgery in Knoxville!
Success Rates for Glaucoma Surgery
Glaucoma surgery success rates work similarly to recovery times in that it varies based on the procedure you undergo. Consider MIGS again. These types of procedures provide less dramatic pressure reduction compared to others. On the other hand, they greatly reduce the chances of complications increasing, which is why surgeons consider them successful even with less dramatic results.
It’s important that you talk with your eye surgeon about the success rates of your particular procedure. They will have the knowledge and experience to provide you with an idea of what to expect and what you can do to get the best results possible.
Do you want to learn more about glaucoma surgery in Knoxville? Contact us today to schedule your appointment!
It can take a few days or weeks to see changes in your vision after glaucoma surgery. However, it can take months in some rare cases. The success rates of glaucoma surgery depend on the type of procedure you undergo. Other factors can affect your outcomes for recovery and its success including the severity of your glaucoma and your eye’s individual reaction to treatment.
Tennessee Valley Eye Center is Knoxville’s premier eye care facility, performing more eye surgeries than any other facility in the region. Our board-certified surgeons cover all ophthalmic subspecialties, including cataracts, cornea, glaucoma, retina, eyelid disorders and cancers, and eye muscle surgeries. We want you to feel as comfortable and confident as possible as you prepare for surgery. If you would like to discuss your surgery with us at any time, please do not hesitate to contact us.
