Tree Top successfully performs combined cataract and glaucoma filtration surgery

Tree Top Hospital has successfully performed a phacotrabeculectomy – a combined cataract and glaucoma filtration surgery.

The surgery was performed by ophthalmologist Dr. Archana Sharma and her team.

Phacotrabeculectomy is surgical technique that is used in patients with coexisting conditions of glaucoma and cataract. It involves a combination of phacoemulsification, intraocular lens implantation, and trabeculectomy. Phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation are surgical treatments for cataract, and trabeculectomy is a penetrating filtering surgical procedure for various types of open-angle and normal-tension glaucoma.

The patient - a 55-year-old female - presented to the OPD with decreased vision in both the eyes for a long time and a long-term history of glaucoma. She was diagnosed as both eye chronic angle closure glaucoma, left eye advanced glaucoma and senile cataract. Anterior chamber in both eyes were very shallow with occludable angles and very high intraocular pressure, in spite of laser iridotomy and anti-glaucoma medicines.

The team performed left eye phacotrabeculectomy under local anesthesia on January 8.

Glaucoma is a chronic blinding disease of the eye where the eye pressure increases which in turn damages the optic nerve, the nerve which helps people to see. Hence, the surgery was done to decrease the eye pressure to prevent the further nerve damage and slow the disease progression. It was also combined with cataract surgery so that her vision will improve and she could see better.

After the surgery, her vision improved and the eye pressure went down.

Tree Top Hospital said that while patients are usually referred abroad for the surgery, it can now be done at the hospital.

The hospital said that its facilities can often provide excellent care, saving time, and reducing the cost and inconvenience for the patients who need the treatment, and stress associated with international travel.

Cataracts usually develop slowly and do not cause any pain or redness in the eye. They are more common in older people, but they can also occur in younger people or even babies due to various factors.

Glaucoma is the damage to the optic nerve of the eye, which carries visual signals to the brain. They often caused by high pressure inside the eye, which can squeeze and harm the nerve fibers. Glaucoma can cause loss of peripheral vision, and eventually central vision, if left untreated.

The Tree Top Hospital advised anyone who notices any changes in their vision or have any of the symptoms associated with cataracts or glaucoma to see an eye doctor for an examination.

Early detection and treatment can help prevent vision loss, and improve quality of life.

Tree Top Hospital is a leading healthcare provider in the Maldives, offering a wide range of services, including ophthalmology. The hospital says it is committed to providing high-quality, affordable healthcare services to its patients, and is actively providing successful surgeries and a good outcome.