glaucoma operation

[Maryjane-s]

I am having a glaucoma operation on my right eye this week and I’m terrified. I am having it with a local anaesthetic. I could not find anyone who has had it and could put my mind at ease . Is there anyone who has been through this please help me.

[nat10]

what is the name of the operation you are having?

[Toby_from_London]

Hi Maryjane,

Almost everyone on this forum has had either lazer, trab or microshunt surgery. Which procedure are you having?

If you let us know those who have had the same operation can talk you through their experiences.

You can also contact one of the Glaucoma UK administrators who can put you in touch with a "Buddy" who you can talk to on the phone. Before I had my MIGS surgery I found talking to someone who had experienced the same thing very comforting.

[mx20378]

i had a right eye lens replacement and preserflo shunt implant done back-to-back with a local anæsthetic in may this year, and a vitrectomy+gas-bubble after a retinal detachment a few years previously...

i was terrified before the first surgery a few years ago, but only a bit nervous before the second this year - it's not exactly a nice experience, but it's ok - and while it's highly unusual (and therefore scary) from your own perspective, from the medical side it's pretty routine

some things which helped me:

- for my first surgery the hospital offered volunteers whose job was just to hold your hand during the surgery - that was very calming

- I'm a geek, and interested in technical details, so both times i got the surgeon to describe to me exactly what they were doing during the surgery and kept a conversation going. this helped contextualise what would otherwise have been mysterious sounds and sensations (because you can't really see anything during the op... your other eye is covered, and the op eye has the anæsthetic and a bright light preventing you from seeing anything more than vague shadows)

i hope your op goes well!

[Eahldt]

I’ve had two trabeculectomies. The thought is worse than the experience. You will be aware that someone is working on your eye but will see and feel nothing. Someone will hold your hand so that you can squeeze it if at any point you want to say something. Good luck!

[Hidden]

I had a goniotomy and cataract removal 3 months ago for glaucoma under local anaesthetic. I can assure you I felt no pain or even discomfort.

It was a bit strange to be lying there under surgical drapes having things done to my eye that I couldn't feel. The surgeon was very reassuring at all stages.

Like you I was nervous beforehand.

[Gooh]

my wife had hers last night with a local and it went very well, little issues such as bright light this morning and sore eyes, but nothing we weren’t told, let hope the follow up gives good results, good luck you will be fine!

[floki7]

Believe me the thought and worry beforehand is far worse, and in a short while you may be reassuring others who feel the way you do now, as I once did !

Good luck and best wishes

[Hollyberry3]

I have had a trabeculectomy on both eyes over the years - and very recently tube surgery to one eye. You will be fine with a local anaesthetic and if sedation is not offered to you, then ask. You will feel as if you have had a few gin and tonics!