Do they put you to sleep for glaucoma surgery?
Asked by: Ulises Turcotte | Last update: November 16, 2025Score: 4.2/5 (53 votes)
Is glaucoma surgery painful?
For most people, local anesthesia blocks pain during surgery. There may be some burning or stinging with ALT and LPI. Some people report mild discomfort during these procedures. Incisional glaucoma surgeries tend to have more discomfort after the procedure than laser procedures.
How long does a glaucoma operation take?
Glaucoma surgery may be carried out under either local anaesthetic (the area will be numbed and you will be awake) or general anaesthetic (you will be asleep throughout). Most surgery is performed as a day case, so you would usually return home on the same day. The operation will generally last for less than an hour.
Are you sedated for glaucoma surgery?
“Because of the sedation used during glaucoma surgery, you will not be able to drive for a day following your procedure, so you will need to find someone to accompany you home,” says Johnson. “After the patch is removed the day after surgery, some patients may be able to resume driving.
How many days rest are required after an eye operation?
take it easy for the first 2 to 3 days. use your eye shield at night for at least a week. take painkillers if you need to. bathe or shower yourself as usual.
Glaucoma FAQ: Different Types of Surgeries, How to Prevent Infection After Surgery, Sleep Apnea
How to sleep after glaucoma surgery?
Avoid indulging yourself in strenuous activities and any heavy lifting. Our Seton eye doctor may recommend taking a temporary leave if your job involves a great deal of writing, reading, typing, manual labor, or lifting. After glaucoma surgery, you should sleep with an eye shield.
Do you have to be awake for glaucoma surgery?
Glaucoma surgery may be carried out under local anaesthetic (while you're awake) or general anaesthetic (while you're asleep). Most people won't need to take eyedrops any more after trabeculectomy, and you shouldn't be in a lot of pain after surgery.
How do they sedate you for eye surgery?
General anesthesia, which puts the whole body “to sleep” and eliminates the possibility of movement, is commonly used. In some adults, topical or local anesthesia which can block sensation to the eye but does not affect general consciousness may be preferred.
What is considered dangerously high eye pressure?
Intraocular pressure between 12 mm Hg and 21 mm Hg is considered normal. Measurements higher than 21 mm Hg on two separate occasions are considered ocular hypertension.
Do you still need eye drops after glaucoma surgery?
Postoperative anti-inflammatory eye drops (e.g. dexamethasone) are prescribed for use 1–2 hourly during the first few days and subsequently reduced to 4–6 times a day. The postoperative eye drops may be used for 2–3 months as advised by the reviewing doctor.
How do you prepare for glaucoma surgery?
- You may eat breakfast and/or lunch and take any medication that you normally take other than aspirin or blood thinners.
- Make sure you take your blood pressure medication. ...
- DO NOT wear eye makeup on surgery day!
- Please arrive at the time your appointment was scheduled.
What is the newest surgery for glaucoma?
MIGS incorporates state-of-the-art minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries that use microscopic instruments to facilitate small incision surgery. It provides a safer option to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) than traditional glaucoma surgery, with the added benefits of a higher success rate and faster recovery time.
Which eye surgery is more painful?
Neither PRK nor LASIK should hurt during the surgery itself, although you may feel some pressure in the eye. PRK is associated with slightly more postsurgical pain than LASIK. That's because PRK removes the corneal epithelium.
Why is glaucoma so painful?
In neovascular glaucoma, the drainage angle gradually closes because of new blood vessels that grow on the iris and in the drainage angle. Eventually, the entire drainage angle is blocked off and the eye pressure becomes very high, thus leading to eye pain.
Are you put to sleep for eye stent surgery?
You may be awake during the surgery. You will receive medicine to help you relax. You may also receive an injection or an anesthetic to numb the eye. This will keep you from feeling pain during the surgery.
Why don't they put you to sleep during eye surgery?
Staying awake allows for clear communication between you and the surgical team. You can let your surgeon know if you experience any discomfort, and they can guide you through each step of the process, helping you stay calm.
What kind of anesthesia is used for glaucoma surgery?
The different types of anesthesia for glaucoma surgery are general anesthesia, local anesthesia or topical anesthesia. In children, general anesthesia has an absolute indication, whatever the surgical procedure to be used.
How do you stay calm during eye surgery?
On the day of, you may want to have some techniques to calm yourself while in the waiting room and surgery prep. Besides practicing deep breathing, you can listen to music to distract yourself. Your surgeon may even allow you to listen to music during the procedure.
What are the worst foods for glaucoma?
Saturated Fats: This includes foods such as red meats, beef, lard and oils. Foods that are high in saturated fat can lead to weight gain which can cause other eye conditions that can exacerbate glaucoma. Simple Carbohydrates: This includes bread, potatoes, rice, baked goods, pasta and cereal.
How long does it take for glaucoma surgery?
MIGS procedures vary in length, depending on the procedure and if your surgeon is doing cataract surgery at the same time. The time needed for MIGS procedures is usually less than traditional incisional surgeries, like trabeculectomy and tube shunts, which could take up to approximately one hour.
Can you watch TV after glaucoma surgery?
You are fine to use your eyes for reading, watching television or using computer screens. Eye make-up should be avoided until the eye heals and once restarted use new make-up and never use shared make-up. Resuming driving depends on vision in both the operated and other eye.
How serious is glaucoma surgery?
In the short term after your operation, glaucoma surgery temporarily disrupts your vision. It is important to understand that permanent vision can be reduced, or even, in very rare instances, totally lost as a result of any of these glaucoma operations; however, vision loss is not a common permanent side effect.
What pain medication is given after eye surgery?
after surgery. It's best to try to take a long nap or keep your eyes closed for three or four hours after you get home. A single dose of over-the-counter acetaminophen (Tylenol) or Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) may also help.
How long do you have to wear an eye patch after eye surgery?
Using a protective eye shield will help your eyes to heal. You should use these for at least a week following the procedure, and your consultant will be able to advise you further. Make sure you wear your eye shield especially at night to prevent you from rubbing your eyes in your sleep.