Glaucoma Surgery

See below step-by-step Trabeculectomy.

The basic goal behind trabeculectomy is to create a small hole in the anterior chamber of the eye to allow drainage of the aqueous fluid toward the outside. Trabeculectomy surgery starts with making an incision through the conjunctiva. Underneath the scleral flap, a surgeon cuts a small hole into the anterior chamber, which allows the drainage of aqueous fluid through the scleral flap and into the sub-conjunctival space. An iridectomy (hole in the iris) is performed at this point to allow the scleral opening to stay open without being blocked by the iris tissue. The scleral flap is then tied down with stitches, that are loose enough to allow continuous drainage of the aqueous fluid. Finally, the overlying conjunctival tissue is closed with stitches to allow formation of a bleb or an elevation of conjunctival tissue formed by the aqueous fluid, which is being filtered out of the scleral flap (trapdoor) underneath. The filtering bleb is usually located in the superior aspect of the eye and covered by the upper lid. Consequently, it is not readily noticeable by a casual observer. The aqueous fluid from the filtering bleb is then slowly absorbed by the conjunctival and episcleral (on the surface of the sclera) blood vessels and drain into the orbital venous system.

Seton Valve 

The basic goal of a Seton Valve is to decrease the eye’s pressure.  A tube is inserted into the anterior chamber so the aqueous fluid can drain into valve and out of the anterior chamber of the eye.   The valve is sutured into a conjunctival pocket and the aqueous is absorbed naturally. 

The diagram below shows the step-by-step insertion of a Ahmed Valve ® which is one of the most common Seton Valves.