How many years can glaucoma surgery last?

There is no fixed standard for the duration of glaucoma surgery, which typically lasts from several years to over a decade. The exact duration depends on the type of surgery, severity of the disease, and postoperative care. Proper postoperative management can effectively extend the effectiveness of the surgery. Detailed analysis is as follows:

The longevity of results varies with different surgical techniques. For traditional surgeries such as trabeculectomy, patients with milder conditions may maintain benefits for more than ten years. However, for those with complex or advanced-stage disease, significant optic nerve damage may shorten the effectiveness to just a few years. Newer procedures like glaucoma drainage device implantation are suitable for refractory glaucoma, using artificial devices to control intraocular pressure. Some patients may achieve longer-term stability, but long-term monitoring remains essential.

Surgery is not a permanent cure. Maintaining proper intraocular pressure after surgery is crucial. If patients fail to take medications as prescribed, skip follow-up visits, or have risk factors such as high intraocular pressure or diabetes, the surgical drainage channel may become blocked, leading to elevated eye pressure again and shortening the duration of effectiveness.

In daily life, it's important to maintain healthy habits—avoid emotional stress and strenuous exercise to minimize fluctuations in eye pressure. Eat a light diet, avoid spicy and stimulating foods, and ensure adequate sleep.