Glaucoma surgery aims to lower the pressure inside the eye. Several techniques are available: stent placement in the iridocorneal angle, filtering surgery (trabeculectomy, non-penetrating sclerectomy, microshunt…), or cataract surgery (in angle-closure).
The procedure
These procedures are performed in most cases as day surgery under local anaesthesia.
Recovery
Recovery depends on the type of surgery.
Frequently asked questions
When should glaucoma be operated on?
Surgery is indicated when glaucoma progresses on visual field testing despite medical treatment (pressure-lowering drops, SLT laser).
Which technique is used for glaucoma surgery?
It depends on the type of glaucoma (open or closed angle) and on whether a cataract is present. In open-angle glaucoma, filtering surgery such as trabeculectomy or sclerectomy may be indicated. In angle-closure glaucoma, filtering surgery or cataract surgery, possibly combined with MIGS (Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery) such as the iStent, may be indicated.
Is glaucoma surgery an emergency?
It depends on how quickly the glaucoma is progressing and on optic nerve damage, assessed by visual field testing.
Information sheets from the French Society of Ophthalmology
To read before your procedure — information and consent sheet (in French):
📄 Chronic glaucoma surgery: filtering surgery (SFO sheet No. 3)PDF 📄 SLT laser treatment for glaucoma (SFO sheet No. 4)PDF 📄 Laser iris surgery: iridotomy (SFO sheet No. 6)PDFBook an appointment
Consultations in Boulogne-Billancourt (Ophtalife) and Saint-Maur-des-Fossés (Beaurepaire).