What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of conditions that damage the optic nerve, usually because the pressure inside the eye is too high. It often causes no symptoms until vision is already lost, and lost vision cannot be restored, so early treatment matters.
Treatment usually starts with eye drops or laser. Surgery is recommended when the pressure stays too high or the damage keeps progressing despite them.
Types of surgery
- Laser treatment to improve the eye's natural drainage
- Trabeculectomy: a new drainage channel is made under the white of the eye
- Drainage devices (tubes) that carry fluid out of the eye
- Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS), often combined with cataract surgery
Most glaucoma operations are done under local anaesthetic as a day case and take about 30–60 minutes. Your surgeon will recommend the option that suits your type of glaucoma.
Recovery
- You will have several check-ups in the first weeks to monitor the eye pressure
- You will use eye drops for some weeks after surgery
- Avoid rubbing the eye, swimming and heavy lifting as advised
- Vision may be blurred for a few weeks
Risks
Possible problems include eye pressure that is too low or too high, inflammation, infection, faster development of a cataract, and the need for further treatment. Your surgeon will discuss the risks with you.
Frequently asked questions
Will surgery improve my vision?
Glaucoma surgery does not restore vision that has been lost. Its aim is to protect the sight you still have.
Will I still need eye drops?
Some people can stop their drops after surgery; others need fewer. Your surgeon will tell you.
Is it covered by GESY?
Yes, when the operation is medically needed, with a referral. Private patients can book directly, and we settle directly with affiliated insurance companies.
GESY, insurance and payment
We are part of GESY, the national health system. GESY patients need a referral from their personal doctor; private patients can book directly. We settle directly with affiliated insurance companies, and accept cash, card or bank transfer. More on insurance and payment.
Doctors
- Dr. Achilleos Christos
- Dr. Antoniou Yianna
- Dr. Demosthenous Constantinos
- Dr. Glykeriou Antonis
- Dr. Hadjizadeh Susan
- Dr. Kontovourkis Prodromos
- Dr. Krasia Maria
- Dr. Machattos Andreas
- Dr. Palekythritou-Papakyriakou Stella
- Dr. Papamichael Esther
- Dr. Phylactou Maria
- Dr. Pipis Minas
- Dr. Pipis Spyros
- Dr. Serghiou Menelaos
- Dr. Tryfonides Christos
Book an appointment
Call 22 445555 (24/7) or use the appointment request form and we will call you back.
Other specialties
← OphthalmologyGeneral surgeryPlastic surgeryEar, nose & throatPaediatric surgery