There are many ways to address vision problems. Surgery can correct problems like cataracts and glaucoma. Other procedures can improve poor vision so you can see well without glasses or contacts.
Glaucoma Surgery
Glaucoma results from damage to the optic nerve in your eye. A build-up of pressure in the eye is the usual cause. Glaucoma can cause blindness. Two types of surgery can treat glaucoma. Both aim to reduce pressure in your eye.
Laser surgery for glaucoma is an outpatient procedure so you can go home once it’s done. You might feel some discomfort or notice blurry vision afterwards. But, you can go back to your regular activities the next day.
The other option is conventional glaucoma surgery. You might need this if the laser procedure is not effective. This is also an outpatient procedure. But, your eyes may water or look red afterwards. And, it will be about a week before you can return to your regular activities.
Diabetic Retinopathy Surgery
Diabetic retinopathy can develop if you have diabetes and your blood sugar is not under control. High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels, including the ones in your eyes. This causes the blood vessels to leak fluid and blood into the retina. Your vision can change. You may see “floaters,” which are spots that seem to float through your vision.
One procedure for this is done in your doctor’s office. The eye surgeon may use a laser to reduce swelling in your eye and encourage new blood vessel growth. The surgery also helps prevent future blood vessel leaks. However, you may still have blurry vision and need more laser surgery in the future.
Vitrectomy is another type of surgery for diabetic retinopathy. It aims to get rid of leaked blood and scar tissue in your eye. It also helps prevent blood vessels from leaking again. Your doctor will probably do this procedure in a hospital. You may need to stay in the hospital for a short while after the surgery.
Macular Degeneration Surgery
The macula is the area of your eye that helps you see greater detail. As you age, the macula tends to break down. That’s called age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). The more severe type is wet ARMD. Leaky blood vessels cause you to see dark spots in the centre of your vision. Sometimes, laser surgery can help with wet ARMD. Your eye doctor uses a laser to burn away unwanted blood vessels. This prevents bleeding. It also stops the growth of more blood vessels.
This is an outpatient procedure. Vision is usually blurrier right afterwards. You should have improved vision in a few weeks. However, people often need more laser treatments within a few years.