Deep Sclerectomy
Deep sclerectomy is a minimally invasive procedure performed to treat glaucoma as it is effective at reducing intraocular pressure.Deep sclerectomy is performed under local or general anaesthesia and takes 30 -40 minutes to complete. Your doctor makes a 5 x 5 mm incision over the white of your eye (sclera) to expose the channel that is blocked (Schlemm’s canal). Once the channel is opened, a small amount of fluid leaks out, releasing the inside pressure. Your doctor then closes the scleral incision with sutures and bandages your eyes for healing. Like all invasive procedures, there may be potential risks involved with deep sclerectomy; these include the need for repeat surgery and use of eye drops to lower your eye pressure.
The advantages of deep sclerectomy include:
- Non-penetrating procedure
- Rapid post-operative recovery
- Less inflammation
- Less risk of wound leak or infection
- Less risk of cataract or hypotony (eye pressure too low)
