Glaucoma surgery

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Glaucoma surgery

What you need to know

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Preparing for your visit

Please contact your surgeon’s office to confirm your arrival and surgery time. Learn More

Preparing for your visit

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Thank you for choosing the Kensington Eye Institute for your upcoming appointment. By following these important tips, you will arrive prepared for your surgery at the Kensington Eye Institute.

We want you to feel comfortable in our care, and to make your experience as relaxed as possible.


Tip #1: Confirm your appointment

Please contact your surgeon’s office to confirm your arrival and surgery time. You also need to confirm your pre and post-operative eye drops with your surgeon.

Find your surgeon’s office 


Tip #2: Make sure you have everything you need


Click here for detailed printer-friendly pre-operative instructions.

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We recommend you follow this checklist to make sure you have everything you need before surgery:

  • Bring a valid OHIP card and photo ID. If you do not have this with you the surgery will be cancelled.

  • Remember, do  not to eat or drink anything after midnight or your surgery will be cancelled.

  • Please arrange for someone to pick you up from your procedure. Advise your pickup to come to the 6th floor to collect you.

  • Please note: Taxi services or wheel trans are not considered accompaniment home a you will not be released.

  • If necessary, bring one person with you to act as translator. The translator will need o stay with you until you are discharged from surgery. They will also accompany you home.

  • Wear loose-fitting clothing that opens up in the front. Please do not wear multiple layers of clothing, full slips or dresses.

  • Please do not wear eye make-up, perfume or cologne.

  • Unexpected complications and cancellations on the day of surgery may delay or advance your surgery time.

  • It is not advisable to book any other appointments on the day of surgery.


Food and drink instructions:

  • Please do not consume solid foods or have anything to drink after midnight. You may have water, black tea, or coffee only (no milk, sugar or artificial sweeteners).

  • Please do not consume soup or broth of any kind.

  • Please do not chew gum (this includes sugar-free gum) or consume candies, mints or cough drops.


Medication instructions:

  • Take your morning medication (but do not take diabetic pills) with clear fluids three hours before coming to the clinic.

  • Please do not take insulin on the morning of your surgery, bur bring insulin with you the clinic.

  • Please bring all of your prescription medication with you, in their original bottles.
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During your visit

We make it a priority to ensure you are at ease during your glaucoma surgery. Learn More

During your visit

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Your surgeon will discuss the best approach for the treatment of your glaucoma with you.

Types of treatment at Kensington Eye Institute

  • Trabeculectomy reduces eye pressure by draining excess fluid from the eye. The operation creates a new drainage channel in the eye. Pressure in the eye is lowered when fluid can be released through the new channel. This drainage reduces pressure on the optic nerve, and prevents or slows further damage and further vision loss. Control of the eye pressure with a trabeculectomy will not restore vision already lost from glaucoma.
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After your visit

It is normal for your eye to feel slightly uncomfortable, light sensitive, or red. Learn More

After your visit

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It's normal for your eye to be red, uncomfortable, sensitive to light and teary after this surgery. These symptoms are normal and will improve gradually.


Click here to read printer-friendly detailed post-operative instructions!


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What to expect after your procedure?

  • Please rest for the first 24 hours after your operation.

  • There may be some blood mixed with tears in your eyes. This is normal. Gently wipe away with a clean tissue.

  • Your eye will take 6 to 8 weeks to heal, and up to 1 year to heal completely.

What to avoid after your procedure?

  • Please do not rub your eye.

  • Please do not drive a car. Your surgeon will let you know when you can drive again.

  • Please do not consume alcohol for 24 hours after your surgery.

  • Please do not bend or stoop (do not lower your chin below your heart.) It is safe to bend at the knees as long as you keep your head straight.

  • Please do not do anything that would put undue pressure or strain on your eye. Try not to cough or blow your nose excessively.

  • Please avoid straining when using the bathroom.

  • Please do not lift anything heavier than 5 to 10 pounds.

  • Please do not engage in any strenuous activities like swimming, jogging, aerobics or sex for 1 month post-operation.



Ocular emergency

If after surgery, you experience any of the following, please seek immediate medical attention:

  • Increasing pain in the operative eye
  • Decreased / dimming vision
  • Increasing swelling
  • Vomiting
  • A fever (temperate of 38C or 101F)
  • A gush of fluid or pus/discharge from your eye

Please go to the nearest emergency room. During regular business hours, contact your surgeon's office.

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What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a family of more than 30 diseases that affects the pressure within the eye (intraocular pressure), and damages the optic nerve. When the pressure inside the eye increases, blind spots in peripheral areas of vision may occur.


How do you know you have glaucoma?

Often called the “silent thief” of sight, most forms of glaucoma do not produce symptoms until vision is already severely damaged. It develops slowly and sometimes without noticeable sight loss for many years. Glaucoma is often caused by high pressure inside the eye. Fortunately, if diagnosed early, the disease can be controlled and permanent vision loss can usually be prevented.


How is glaucoma treated?

There are a number of different ways to treat glaucoma including eye drops, pills, laser surgery, or traditional surgery. These methods can be used by themselves or in combination with one another. Your doctor will discuss the best approach for the treatment of your glaucoma with you.

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