Presserflo Performa aquatic shunt procedure

[AnnaC210]

Hi, I’m wondering if you can help. My grandma has glaucoma and her eye surgeons has told her she can have the Preserflo Performa aquatic shunt operation to stop her eyesight deteriorating. She’s naturally a bit apprehensive about this as it’s a fairly new procedure but I was wondering if anyone knew of anyone who’d had this done who would happy to speak to her about their experience? It might be a long shot but I’d really appreciate it! Thank you in advance

[muddledme]

Hello Anna and Grandma,

Last December I had my first Preserflo shunt inserted and when this was deemed successful another was inplanted in the other eye this April.

All seems well and the pressures are fairly stable since.

The proceedure took about an hour in both cases. It was done with a local anaesthetic in the eye operating theatre where everyone was so helpful.

Apart from feeling a bit of pressure when the anaesthetic was applied , the operation was painless.

Do make sure that your grandma is warm before going into theatre as they are often chilly places and she will obviously have to lie still....much easier if you are cosy. I asked for extra blankets and also a rolled up towel for my neck, both a great help. She should not see much of the operation as they manage to obscure most of the action ! I actually found the whole thing very interesting.

She will be invited for a pre-op assesment where she should be given some helpful information and some written instructions.

My after care was also very good and I was given eye drops to use to prevent inflamation and infection...she will need to write out a chart for all the drops so she can keep a tally on them.

It is worth making sure she has enough drops for several days until your local pharmacy can order more. I worked out how many were needed for about the six weeks they were due which is useful to the patient and the pharmacy.

The hospital should give her some written post op instructions which include an emergency number if needed. It is also worth asking about what to expect after the op so she does not worry unduly.

After the op my instructions were not to lift heavy things and not to bend with my head lower than my waist or do anything strenuous for about 6 weeks or until the surgeon gives the all clear.

We bought some extra nightlights for the bedroom and stairs which were good, as her operated eye will be covered completely for about 24 hours and vision takes a little while to get back to normal.

The Glaucoma UK charity is excellent, lots of leaflets, regular magazines( this month an article about various eye surgeries and research) a helpline ph ; 01233648170 which is so useful and can perhaps provide a 'Buddy ' ,someone who has had a similar op......this was very helpful and somehow gave me peace of mind !

Do hope all goes well.