We created this article for you if you are looking for information on how long glaucoma surgery takes and what glaucoma surgery costs in Singapore among other basics. But before we get to that, here’s something you may want to know about glaucoma surgery;
You may have been recommended a glaucoma surgery in Singapore if you have glaucoma which medications and laser treatments have failed to help manage. Now, glaucoma surgery cannot cure glaucoma or reverse vision loss.
However, it is usually recommended to help safeguard the remaining vision and prevent further deterioration. There are several types of surgeries you may be recommended for glaucoma in Singapore depending on the type of glaucoma you need help with.
The most notable ones include; trabeculectomy, glaucoma implant surgery, and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS). These procedures aim to reduce intraocular pressure, a key factor in glaucoma progression. Typically, if both eyes require surgery, doctors perform the procedures on one eye at a time to minimize risks and allow for proper recovery.
How long does Glaucoma Surgery Take?
Several things may come to mind when recommended glaucoma surgery. But a key question that may constantly bug you is; how long does a glaucoma surgery take? It is simple;
Glaucoma surgery typically takes between 45 to 75 minutes. The procedure involves creating a small flap and draining a hole in the white lining of the eye to allow fluid to drain out into a space in the outer lining of the eye.
To help with discomfort, there are various anesthetic techniques that your ophthalmologist can use including a general anesthetic or a local anesthetic which would be injected around the eye to numb it.
After the procedure, you will be given specific post-operative care guidelines which may vary slightly depending on the specific type of glaucoma surgery you’ve had. It’s important that you follow these post-operative care instructions diligently to promote not just healing but also prevent complications.
As part of your post-operative care, you may be prescribed eye drops which you will need to use for several weeks. It is very important that you use the eye drops diligently as directed to prevent potential infections and swelling.
You will also be recommended periodic check-up appointments with your eye care professional. Please, observe these check-up appointments as directed to monitor your eye health and adjust treatment as necessary. That said, here are some things you should not do after your glaucoma surgery in Singapore;
- Lifting heavy objects:Avoid lifting anything heavier than 10 pounds. Straining could increase pressure in your eye, which may be harmful during the early stages of recovery.
- Straining:Straining, whether due to lifting, constipation, or other reasons, can increase intraocular pressure. To prevent this, eat a high-fiber diet, stay hydrated, and if necessary, use stool softeners as recommended by your doctor.
- Intense exercise:While gentle walking is usually permissible, avoid vigorous exercise that raises your heart rate significantly or causes sweating. These activities can elevate intraocular pressure and strain your eyes.
- Bending over at the waist:Bending over can increase pressure in your eye. Instead, bend at the knees or use other methods to avoid putting strain on your eyes during the healing process.
- Wearing reusable contact lenses:Following surgery, avoid wearing reusable contact lenses until your ophthalmologist gives you the green light. If necessary, they may provide a specific type of contact lens to aid in healing.
- Swimming or using hot tubs:For some surgeries, there may be a lifelong precaution against swimming or using hot tubs due to the risk of infection. Follow your doctor’s recommendations regarding water activities.
- Wearing eye makeup or face cream:To reduce the risk of infection, avoid wearing eye makeup or applying face creams near your eyes until your ophthalmologist advises it is safe to do so.
What is the Cost of Glaucoma Surgery in Singapore?
A glaucoma surgery could be all you need to prevent more damaging vision loss. If recommended the procedure, you may want to know how much a glaucoma surgery costs in Singapore.
Well, the cost of glaucoma surgery in Singapore varies based on the type of procedure. If you’re recommended a laser surgery which is less invasive and usually done in an ophthalmologist’s office or surgery center, the procedure can cost around $1,000 to $2,000.
Insurance coverage is common for these medically necessary procedures, but out-of-pocket costs depend on your insurance plan. If you’ve been recommended incisional surgery which is more complex and requires hospital settings and specialized sedation, you may need to pay around $11,000.
Again, as a medically necessary procedure, you can benefit from your health insurance covering a significant portion of the treatment. Essentially, this means that you will only be left with copays for doctor visits and medications.
Can you Watch TV after Glaucoma Surgery?
Depending on the type of surgery you had for glaucoma, the recovery is usually a very straightforward process. But you will not want to engage in anything that may interfere with your recovery process thus the question; can you watch TV after glaucoma surgery?
The answer is yes, you can still watch TV after glaucoma surgery once your vision stabilizes. But the most important thing is to follow your doctor’s advice regarding activities post-surgery. While reading and watching TV are usually fine, avoid straining your eyes or sitting too close to the screen.
Also, and most importantly, always wear your prescribed glasses for daytime use. A few other things you will want to avoid after your glaucoma surgery in Singapore include strenuous activities like weight lifting, biking jogging and upside-down yoga among others until you’re given the green light by your doctor to engage in such activities.
Most importantly, you will also want to keep off any activities that may put pressure on your eyes for at least three weeks. This is important because adding any amount of pressure to your eyes after the procedure may interrupt the healing process.
Another important tip to keep in mind is not wearing makeup for at least two weeks. You should also not wear contact lenses until you have the green light from your ophthalmologist.
Wrapping Up
Glaucoma surgery takes about 45 to 75 minutes so it won’t eat up too much of your time. To learn more about glaucoma surgery in Singapore and get any concerns addressed, please call or visit us at;
Chelvin Sng Eye Centre – Glaucoma | Cataract Surgery | Retina Specialist | Ophthalmologist Singapore
38 Irrawaddy Road Mt Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre,
#06-25,
Singapore 329563
+65 6334 2282
https://www.drchelvinsng.com/
