Laser Surgery for Glaucoma

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.

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Laser surgery for glaucoma is used to open your eye drainage system, or create a new drainage system. Glaucoma is caused by fluid buildup behind the eye. This surgery helps decrease eye pressure and slow or prevent more damage and vision loss. You may need surgery on one or both eyes.

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Call your eye doctor if:

• You have severe eye pain.
• Your vision suddenly becomes worse.
• You have a fever or chills.
• Your eye is red, swollen, and draining pus.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Medicines:

• Medicines may be given to help decrease inflammation, eye pressure, and help your eye heal.
• Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Care for your eye:

• Your eye may feel irritated, and you may have blurry vision. These are expected and should get better quickly.
• Do not rub your eye.
• Ask when you can remove the eye patch.
• Wash your hands carefully before you use eye drops. Do not let the tip of the eyedropper touch your eye or eyelid.
• Do not wear eye makeup for 1 week after your surgery.
• Wear sunglasses during the day to protect your eye.
• Try to sneeze or cough gently.
• Do not bend over at the waist for 1 to 2 days after the surgery.
• Do not get in swimming pools or hot tubs until your eye doctor says it is okay.
• You will need to wait 4 to 6 weeks before you know if surgery worked. You may need to have the surgery again if the effects wear off. You may also need another type of surgery.

Medical alert identification:

Wear medical alert jewelry or carry a card that says you have glaucoma. Ask where to get these items.

Follow up with your eye doctor as directed:

You will need to return to have your eye checked. The pressure in your eye will need to be checked regularly. Your eye doctor will tell you when to come in for check-ups. Bring your eye drops and other medicines with you. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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