Glaucoma is often called the "silent thief of sight" because it typically develops slowly without obvious symptoms until significant vision loss has occurred. It's a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, usually due to high pressure inside the eye. When medication and laser treatments are not enough to control the eye pressure, surgery may be necessary.

Trabeculectomy: This is the most common traditional surgery for glaucoma. During this procedure, a small piece of the eye's drainage system is removed to create a new pathway for fluid to leave the eye, thereby reducing pressure. A small flap is created in the white part of the eye (sclera) to allow fluid to drain into a space under the conjunctiva (the clear tissue covering the white of the eye).

Glaucoma Drainage Implants: Also known as tube shunts or aqueous shunts, these are small devices implanted in the eye to help drain fluid and reduce pressure. They consist of a small tube that is inserted into the eye and connected to a small plate that is sewn onto the outside of the eye. The device helps maintain a steady flow of fluid out of the eye.

Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS): This refers to a group of newer surgical techniques that are less invasive than traditional glaucoma surgeries. MIGS procedures typically involve smaller incisions, cause less tissue trauma, and often have faster recovery times. Examples include trabecular meshwork bypass stents and procedures that enhance the eye's natural drainage pathways.