How Does Trabeculectomy Help With High Eye Pressure?

Baptist Eye Surgeons • September 7, 2022

There are many types of treatment for elevated eye pressure, surgical and non-surgical. One of the most successful forms of treatment over the long term is trabeculectomy surgery. This incisional form of surgery boasts a high success rate with rare instances of complications—all while helping reduce your eye pressure.trabeculectomy

Glaucoma is an eye disease that increases eye pressure and can result in vision loss. Trabeculectomy works by creating an incision in the eye for fluid to drain and be absorbed back into the blood vessels. Other types of glaucoma treatments are also available, including eye drops, oral medications, and other forms of incisional surgery. 

How Trabeculectomy Helps With High Eye Pressure

Trabeculectomy is a form of eye surgery designed to treat glaucoma. It was developed to create new pathways that allow fluid to drain out of the eye, resulting in reduced eye pressure. It is an outpatient procedure , meaning that it is performed in an operating room and does not require an overnight stay. This means you can recover comfortably at home.

During a trabeculectomy , a flap is created in the sclera (the white part of your eye) underneath your upper eyelid. Your surgeon uses this flap to create a pathway where excess fluid is allowed to drain from the eye and reduce pressure inside of it. Once created, the flap is loosely placed back down so it and the conjunctiva (the outermost covering of the eye) can protect it. 

This surgical process creates a small blister of fluid known as a bleb on the surface of the eye but beneath the eyelid. Rather than cause excess tearing, the blister actually absorbs the fluid into the blood vessels. This allows your eye pressure to be reduced naturally. Thanks to being located under your upper eyelid, the blister is hidden and prevents any unwanted attention. 

It’s important to note that undergoing a trabeculectomy procedure won’t restore any vision that is lost due to glaucoma. Instead, its purpose is to aid in protecting what vision you still have. Trabeculectomy along with other treatments and lifestyle changes can help preserve your vision and help you live your life to the fullest.

Other Forms of Glaucoma Treatment in Knoxville, TNtrabeculectomy laser

Trabeculectomy isn’t the only form of glaucoma surgery in Knoxville, TN. Our Knoxville eye surgeons have multiple treatments at their disposal to help preserve your vision from the effects of the disease.

They include:

 

  • Eye drops
  • Oral medications
  • Surgery

Eye drops are usually your eye doctor’s first line of defense against the effects of glaucoma. The goal of glaucoma treatment is to reduce your eye pressure, and these special eye drops do exactly that. They can help improve fluid drainage from your eyes or reduce the amount of fluid that your body produces. These eye drops are not available over the counter and will require a prescription.

The most frequently prescribed glaucoma eye drops include:

  • Prostaglandins
  • Beta-blockers
  • Alpha-adrenergic agonists
  • Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors
  • Rho kinase inhibitors

Sometimes eye drops aren’t enough to reduce your glaucoma symptoms. If that’s the case, then your eye doctor may prescribe oral medications . Make sure to take your medications as prescribed to keep your glaucoma from progressing. Certain side effects may occur with these medications, so be sure to discuss what to expect with your doctor beforehand.

Along with trabeculectomy, there are multiple types of eye surgery available for glaucoma treatment. Laser surgery ( laser trabeculoplasty ) is often the first type to be tried. From there, your eye doctor may recommend:

  • Incisional surgery such as trabeculectomy
  • Drainage tube surgery
  • Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS)

The best surgical option for you will vary based on your unique needs. For instance, laser surgery isn’t permanent and you may still need medication. MIGS has different types of procedures that your doctor may recommend. More invasive forms of surgery such as incision and drainage tube surgery can offer better results but require longer recovery times.

To learn more about different glaucoma treatment options, click here !

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma occurs when the optic nerve is damaged by high pressure. Vision loss due to glaucoma is irreversible and can go unnoticed for years. When healthy, watery liquid ( aqueous humor ) continuously flows through your eyes. Sometimes this process can be disrupted by the pathways becoming clogged and leading to an increase in eye pressure ( intraocular pressure ).

Click here to take a deeper dive into glaucoma, its different types, and its risk factors!

Signs & Symptoms

Glaucoma can have few if any symptoms in its early stages. This is especially true for primary open-angle glaucoma, the most common form of the disease. The peripheral vision is often reduced or lost first in glaucoma. Cases that go untreated can result in the loss of your central vision which allows you to read, drive, and perform most daily tasks.  

Other forms of glaucoma may present symptoms. If you have a less common form of glaucoma, you may experience:

  • Eye pain
  • Head pain
  • Hazy vision
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

Comprehensive Eye Exams in Knoxville, TN

Comprehensive eye exams are an essential part of your eye and overall health. They allow our surgeons to view the inner structures of your eyes and catch vision problems as well as other health issues that could be developing, such as diabetes, before they become major issues. This allows us to provide you with the treatment you need as soon as possible to protect every aspect of your health.

Are you concerned about your eye pressure? Contact us today to schedule your appointment!

Trabeculectomy reduces eye pressure by making an incision in the eye for fluid to drain and be reabsorbed by the blood vessels. Other forms of incisional surgery are also available, as well as prescription eye drops and oral medications. Glaucoma is an eye disease that causes increased pressure within the eye, gradually damaging the optic nerve and stealing your sight.

Baptist Eye Surgeons is an ophthalmological practice in Knoxville, TN, and Morristown, TN. Give us a call at 865-579-3920 for more information or to schedule an appointment .

Night Vision Problems: Causes and When to See an Eye Doctor

June 30, 2026
Night vision problems can make everyday activities like driving at dusk, walking in poorly lit places, or adjusting to indoor lighting harder and sometimes unsafe. Trouble seeing in low light, called nyctalopia, is not a disease itself but a sign that something else may be affecting your eyes. Learning what causes night vision problems and when to get help is important for keeping your vision healthy. What Are Night Vision Problems? Night vision problems mean it is hard to see clearly in low light or darkness. Some people notice their eyes take longer to adjust when going from bright to dim places. Others may have trouble with glare from headlights, seeing less contrast, or things just looking dimmer at night. Mild changes in night vision can happen as you get older, but if your symptoms keep getting worse or do not go away, you should pay attention to them. Common Causes of Night Vision Difficulties There are several potential causes of night vision problems. Night vision problems can have many causes, from getting older to certain eye conditions, such as lens problems, leading to blurred vision and increased sensitivity to glare. They are one of the most common causes of poor night vision, especially in older adults. 1. Cataracts Cataracts cause clouding of the eye’s natural lens, leading to blurred vision and increased sensitivity to glare. They are one of the most common causes of poor night vision, especially in older adults. 2. Vitamin A Deficiency Vitamin A is important for keeping your retina healthy. If you do not get enough vitamin A, your eyes may have trouble adjusting to darkness, which can lead to night blindness. 3. Glaucoma Some types of glaucoma can affect your side vision and make it harder to see differences between light and dark. As the optic nerve gets damaged, seeing in low light can become more difficult. 4. Retinitis Pigmentosa This inherited eye condition slowly affects your ability to see at night and to the sides. Early signs often include trouble seeing in the dark. 5. Diabetes-Related Eye Disease Diabetic retinopathy can harm the blood vessels in your retina, which may cause blurry vision and make it harder to see at night. 6. Aging and Pupil Changes As people get older, their pupils do not react to light changes as quickly, and the retina becomes less sensitive. This naturally makes night vision worse over time. Symptoms to Watch For Night vision problems often develop slowly. Some common signs are: Difficulty seeing in low light or darkness Trouble driving at night due to glare from headlights Longer adjustment time when moving between light and dark environments Reduced contrast or clarity in dim settings Frequent squinting or eye strain in low light If these symptoms start to affect your daily life, it is a good idea to get a full eye check-up. When to See an Eye Doctor You should see an eye doctor if you notice new night vision problems, if they are getting worse, or if you have other changes in your vision. The doctor can run tests to find out what is causing the problem and suggest the right treatment. A full eye exam might include checking your retina, testing your field of vision, and taking images to look at your eye health. Finding problems early is very important for conditions like glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, and retinal disorders, because early treatment can help protect your vision. Protecting Your Night Vision Not all causes of night vision loss can be prevented, but taking care of your eyes can lower your risk and help you see better. Some helpful steps are: Scheduling regular eye exams Handling chronic health conditions like diabetes Eating a diet rich in vitamin A and antioxidants Wearing proper corrective lenses if prescribed Avoiding driving with untreated vision changes Prioritizing Your Eye Health Night vision problems can be an early sign of eye disease. Since many eye problems develop slowly, having regular eye exams is one of the best ways to catch changes early and keep your vision healthy for the long term. If you have trouble seeing at night or notice any changes in your vision, making an appointment for an eye exam can help keep your eyes healthy and your vision clear in all types of light.
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