Trabeculectomy

Trabeculectomy Surgery for Glaucoma in West Georgia

Trabeculectomy for glaucoma

Trabeculectomy is one of the most effective surgical treatments for patients whose glaucoma cannot be controlled with medications or laser procedures alone. At Georgia Vision Institute, our glaucoma surgeons perform trabeculectomy to create a new drainage pathway that lowers intraocular pressure and protects the optic nerve from progressive damage. As a leading provider of advanced glaucoma treatment in West Georgia, we offer safe, evidence-based surgical options to help preserve long-term vision.

What Is Trabeculectomy?

Trabeculectomy is a glaucoma filtration surgery designed to reduce eye pressure by allowing fluid to bypass the eye’s natural drainage system. During the procedure, the surgeon creates a small flap in the sclera (the white part of the eye) and forms a tiny reservoir called a bleb under the eyelid. This enables fluid to drain more effectively, preventing pressure buildup that can lead to vision loss.

This procedure is often recommended when:

  • Glaucoma medications are no longer effective
  • Laser treatments, such as SLT or LPI  have not provided adequate pressure control
  • The optic nerve shows signs of continued damage
  • Intraocular pressure remains dangerously elevated

 

Why Trabeculectomy Is an Important Glaucoma Surgical Option

Unlike non-invasive laser therapies, trabeculectomy physically modifies the eye’s drainage system, which makes it a powerful tool for long-term pressure reduction. The surgery can achieve significantly lower intraocular pressure than most other treatments, making it especially valuable for patients with moderate to advanced glaucoma or rapidly progressing disease.

Benefits of Trabeculectomy

Key benefits of trabeculectomy include:

  • Long-term eye pressure control
  • Better protection of the optic nerve
  • Reduced dependence on glaucoma drops
  • Customized surgical planning for each patient’s disease severity

Because glaucoma is a chronic, progressive condition, trabeculectomy remains a trusted option when maximum pressure reduction is necessary to preserve sight.

Glaucoma Specialist in Georgia<br />

What to Expect During and After Trabeculectomy Surgery in West Georgia

Trabeculectomy is performed in a surgical setting by our experienced ophthalmic surgeons in Carrollton, Villa Rica, Bremen, and Douglasville. After applying local anesthesia and numbing drops, the surgeon creates the drainage flap and establishes a controlled outflow channel. Most patients return home the same day.

Trabeculectomy Post-Operative Care

Post-operative care includes:

  • Follow-up visits to ensure proper healing
  • Use of prescribed eye drops to reduce inflammation
  • Activity restrictions to protect the surgical site
  • Monitoring of the bleb to ensure steady fluid drainage

Pressure improvement is often noticeable early in the healing period, and continued follow-up helps maintain long-term success.

Who May Benefit from Trabeculectomy?

Trabeculectomy may be appropriate for individuals with:

  • Primary open-angle glaucoma
  • Secondary glaucoma conditions that elevate pressure
  • Progressive vision loss despite medications
  • Limited response to non-surgical treatments

     

Our glaucoma specialists evaluate each patient’s optic nerve health, eye pressure history, and disease progression to recommend the most effective treatment path.

Glaucoma Specialist in Georgia

Schedule a Trabeculectomy Consultation in West Georgia

If your glaucoma remains difficult to control or your eye pressure continues to rise despite treatment, trabeculectomy may be the next step in protecting your sight. Georgia Vision Institute offers advanced imaging, individualized disease management, and specialized glaucoma surgery at our Carrollton, Villa Rica, Bremen, and Douglasville locations.

Our team is committed to helping you preserve vision and maintain long-term eye health.

FAQ: Trabeculectomy for Glaucoma

What is trabeculectomy?

Trabeculectomy is a surgical procedure that creates a new drainage pathway to lower intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma.

How effective is trabeculectomy?

Trabeculectomy is one of the most reliable ways to achieve low, stable eye pressure, especially in patients with advanced or treatment-resistant glaucoma.

Will I still need glaucoma drops after trabeculectomy surgery?

Some patients reduce or discontinue eye drops after trabeculectomy, while others may still need them depending on pressure goals.

What is the recovery time for trabeculectomy?

Most healing occurs over several weeks after trabeculectomy, with follow-up visits to ensure proper drainage and bleb function.