Receiving surgery for your glaucoma can be extremely overwhelming, especially if you do not know much about the process and what it entails. 

In order to give you the best chance of a successful surgery, it is important that you are prepared to ask the right questions beforehand. 

To help out, we have put together this guide of questions to ask your doctor before your glaucoma surgery at your next consultation. 

Here at Texas Eye Care, our years of experience in dealing with conditions such as glaucoma mean we know exactly the right questions to ask. 

We have compiled all our skills and knowledge to arm you with the tools you need to be informed and prepared for your glaucoma surgery. 

Let’s get into it! 

Understanding Glaucoma Surgery

If you’re not someone who works in the medical field, there is a high chance you do not know what glaucoma is, or what treatment surgery looks like. 

This means that the very first questions you ask your doctor should assist you in understanding glaucoma surgery. 

Simple questions such as “What is glaucoma surgery, and why might it be necessary?” are a great way to open up the dialogue and begin a quality conversation between you and your healthcare provider that will arm you with the knowledge you need to make an informed decision about your glaucoma treatment. 

From there, you should consider asking about the basic specificities of the procedure, such as the types of surgery available, and which one they recommend you take. 

Each practice is different, for example, here at Texan Eye Care, we recommend our patients use a mix of eye drops, laser treatment, and surgery, such as a Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty and a Tube-shunt surgery. 

By asking us specifically which procedures we offer and recommend, you can obtain a better idea of which options are available to you. 

This will allow you to plan out how you might want to approach this surgery at the present moment. 

Questions About the Surgical Procedure

Once you have understood the basics of glaucoma surgery, it is wise to ask questions about the surgical procedure itself. 

This is where you should be more specific and ask detailed questions that allow you to understand exactly what will happen in the operating theater. 

A great lead in question is “What specific technique will be used?”. 

This will allow your doctor to explain how they plan to carry out the surgery – whether it be a laser-based surgery, whether it will be invasive, or whether it is a simple process that will only take a few minutes. 

From there, you can ask whether you will require an anesthetic, and if so, if it will be local or general. 

You may also want to ask about the preparation required before the surgery is carried out. 

Asking “How to prepare for glaucoma surgery?” will prompt your doctor to detail everything you need to do before the day of the surgery to ensure the procedure is a success. 

It is also a good idea to ask about the expected outcomes and potential risks of your surgery. 

Part of being an informed patient and making an informed choice is being armed with all the knowledge about your prospective surgery, including any risks that you may be undertaking. 

While glaucoma surgery has a very high success rate, it is important that you enquire about your projected long-term outcome, and whether you may face any risks. 

Post-Operative Care and Follow-up

When faced with the prospect of surgery, many people get bogged down with details about the surgery itself, and forget to inquire about the after-effects of the procedure. 

It is important that you consult with your doctor or healthcare provider about any necessary post-operative care and follow-up treatment. 

Asking “What kind of aftercare will be necessary?” is a fundamental question that should never be skipped.  

Knowing whether you will be discharged that day, or if you might need to spend some time under medical surveillance will allow you to make plans for after your surgery and organize your time accordingly. 

Additionally, you should also ask questions about the long term recovery process. 

Asking your doctor how many follow up visits will be required is a good way to ascertain the significance of the surgery, and how long your road to recovery will be. 

Alternatives and Advanced Questions

While your doctor may make recommendations for surgery, it is your choice as to whether or not you explore that option. 

You may want to ask if there are any alternatives to surgery that could treat or manage your glaucoma if you are someone that doesn’t like undergoing procedures. 

Alternatively, you may want to ask some further questions about the surgery that may be considered to be more advanced. 

Here at Texan Eye Care, we are participating in a new FDA trial called the Glaukos iDose®. 

Asking your doctor about the latest advancements in glaucoma surgery allows them to discuss this kind of option with you, and can give you a better understanding of the current research that is being carried out about glaucoma. 

The Bottom Line

Glaucoma surgery can be intimidating, and it is important you arm yourself with as much information as possible before you walk into the operating theater. 

Communication is key when it comes to building and maintaining a relationship with your healthcare provider, and will help to ensure you receive the best results possible. 

We hope this guide has made you think about some of the questions you might want to ask your doctor, but if you still feel stuck, here is a brief recap of the key questions to ask your doctor about glaucoma surgery; 

• What is glaucoma surgery, and why might it be necessary?
• What types of surgery are available, and which one is recommended? 
• What specific technique will be used?
• Will you require anesthetic?
• How to prepare for glaucoma surgery?
• What are the expected outcomes of the surgery? 
• What are the potential risks of the surgery?
• What kind of aftercare will be necessary?
• What is the long term recovery process?
• How many follow up visits will be required?
• Are there any alternatives to surgery?
• What are the latest advancements in glaucoma treatment?

Contact Us Today!

If you or a loved one is struggling with glaucoma or any other eye-related condition, do not hesitate to get in touch with us. Here at Texan Eye Care, we can provide you with a personalized consultation with one of our highly skilled team members, to discuss glaucoma surgery options. Follow this link to book your glaucoma consultation today.