bleb needling procedure recovery time

[Eyehelp5]

Hi, I had a Trabeculectomy just shy of 2 years ago which has been stable however I’ve now got a build up of scar tissue which has caused the pressure to spike. After 8 weeks on steroid eye drops with no change in eye pressure I’m now to have a needling procedure on the bleb on Monday coming.

I’m just wondering for anyone who has had this procedure what the recovery time was like? More specifically, for a full time computer based job. Google says a week, and the consultant said yesterday that there is no harm in working from home from the day after if you feel able. I understand vision can be blurry and eye red and uncomfortable. I appreciate everyone’s recovery is different but it would be good to get an idea to let my employer know re recovery days off following. They are not very supportive for any eye related absences which makes me feel anxious hence wondering what’s a realistic recovery time to manage expectations.

Also anxious to have this done under sedation as had my trab under general anaesthetic - the thought of needling sounds terrifying and painful. Any words of encouragement would be hugely appreciated! Still in my 30s so the thought of a failed trab so early on is really worrying me.

Thank you for reading

[balacakkhu]

Dear Eyehelp5, It took about 8 weeks in my case. With best wishes.

[Alfiwestie in reply to balacakkhu]

Hi …I have had 4 bleb needlings , it took only about a week to recover .If you are concerned you could cover one lens of your specs for some periods when using computer , watching tv etc to rest your eye for some periods of the day . But mainly you could be back to normal for light activities within a few days . Good luck , I’m also having a procedure today .. I’m hoping for a good result .

[RunnerWithPG]

Hi. I had a bleb needling on my left eye early last year. I'm a software engineer, so work with computers all day. In my case, I've got little vision in my right eye, so I'm reliant on my left eye. I think my consultant said I'd need a couple of weeks, but I think I was able to work much earlier - maybe a week. So, my instinct is Google's estimate of a week is probably about right. If the sight in your other eye is good, I would think you may well be capable of working in less than a week. I wouldn't worry about having the procedure done under local - I've had two trabs, cyclo-dioide and a needling all done under local - it really won't be as bad as you're expecting. Needling is a very quick procedure too. Hope everything goes well!

[Sorshup]

just read the other replies, with which I would agree. Factors like whether you find having acceptable vision the other eye, either with or without the needled eye covered will influence your ability to function adequately.

I note your comment about the employer's attitude. This may be based on ignorance and lack of experience with genuine employee health issues (not another gippy tummy or bad back excuse again). A direct conversation about your condition might help. I note your age; lucky to have been diagnioseed early? Are you in a related profession? I, an optometrist, was around the same age, and had a trab at age 45. You will need to be aggressively involved with the task of maintaining IOP control. Good luck with the needling.

[SIMONE75]

needling is an easy procedure abd anaesthetic drops will do the trick. You should recover quickly and they Willaston check your eye pressures to make sure they aren’t going too low. I think your employer needs some education on glaucoma as it is a serious condition and they could be liable for not complying with certain employment conditions though I’m not an expert on this but you could check this out. I hope all goes well.