What To Expect
Most people don't have to be admitted to the hospital. But children who have the surgery may stay in the hospital overnight. And in some cases, your doctor may recommend that you stay in the hospital.
Right after surgery, antibiotics may be applied to the eye. They may also be injected under the lining of the eyelid (conjunctiva). After surgery, the eyelid is usually taped shut, and a hard covering (eye shield) is placed over the eye. A dressing is worn over the eye during the first night after surgery. You'll wear the eye shield at bedtime for up to a month. Corticosteroid medicines are usually applied to the eye for about 1 to 2 months after surgery to decrease inflammation in the eye.
You will probably have a checkup with your eye specialist the day after surgery.
Any activity that might jar the eye needs to be avoided after surgery. People usually need to avoid bending, lifting, or straining for several weeks after surgery.
After surgery, people who have problems with constipation may need to take laxatives to avoid straining while trying to pass stools. Straining can raise the pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure). This can cause problems with the new opening that was made during surgery to drain fluid from the eye. These problems can increase the pressure in your eye even more and increase the risk of infection.
Usually there is mild discomfort after a trabeculectomy. Severe pain may be a sign of complications. If you have severe pain after your surgery, call your doctor right away.