Swimming after Preserflo microshunt surgery

[LineyJ77]

Hello. I’ve had Preserflo microshunt surgery in both eyes this year - left eye in April, right eye in July. I’d like to get back to aqua jogging in my local pool. Because of the setup there I have to fully submerge my head to get in and out. Has anyone else returned to the pool after the same surgery? I’m not seeing my consultant for a few weeks so would welcome any advice, based on experience, in the meantime. Lots of love to all your eyeballs x

[Mangobrain]

I had a shunt put in. Was told finish all drops and then 6 weeks without swimming. Eye still healing. Could you not do the Aqua but just not do the head under bit. I think it is the chlorine in the pool that is the issue.

[LineyJ77 in reply to Mangobrain]

Ah okay, thanks. Sounds like I ca. get back to it then hopefully. The head dip is unavoidable. It’s in the middle lane of a deep pool and I’m not strong enough to pull myself out so have to get to the steps.

[Hpc65]

I had a shunt put in three years ago and swim at least three times a week, my surgeon said there was no problem with that

[LineyJ77 in reply to Hpc65]

Oh fabulous! Thanks. Do you wear googles? If so, any particular type?

[Hpc65 in reply to LineyJ77]

Yes, only to stop chlorine irritating my eyes. I wear any type that I find in the shop!

[Dianaartist in reply to Hpc65]

Can I ask- does it not matter then about the smaller goggles in terms of pressure ? I prefer those and keep trying the single bigger lens goggles but they leak!! Great to hear you’re swimming regularly after the preserflo as Im a keen swimmer and am about to have this surgery in the next month. Thanks dear ones for sharing your experience- it does help!

[LineyJ77 in reply to Dianaartist]

That’s what I was wondering too. I read somewhere that normal goggles can press on the wrong bit of your eye if you’ve had surgery. I haven’t ever worn goggles before. Amazon seems to have various types with larger lenses so I might try those. I’m going to look like I’m taking my pool session very seriously for a rubbish swimmer!!

[Hpc65]

I really don’t know, I just buy regular goggles and don’t worry about the consequences - after all, a 20 or 30 minute swim 4 or 5 times a week isn’t a lot of time. Having had my diagnosis 12 years ago and having been able to continue living a normal life, I have concluded it’s best not to overthink things - but of course each individual’s prognosis will be different

[LineyJ77 in reply to Hpc65]

I think that’s a great attitude and it’s really great to hear you’re doing so well so long after surgery. Thanks so much for sharing your experience.

[KieranGlaucomaUK Administrator]

Hello. You can swim after a few weeks of having preserflo surgery after your eye has healed. You can wear goggles but you should opt for the larger goggles, rather than the smaller ones. The smaller goggles can press against the eye, which can be especially problematic after surgery. As your surgeries were a few months ago you should be find to go swimming (or aqua jogging) now. Hope that helps.

[LineyJ77]

That’s massively helpful - thank you so much!