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Trabeculectomy


 

Overview of Trabeculectomy:

Trabeculectomy-sometimes referred to as filtration surgery-is the most commonly used glaucoma surgical procedure, usually performed when medical therapy does not succeed in controlling the intraocular pressure (IOP). It can be performed on patients with most types of glaucoma, but not all. In order for Drs. Lapsi or So to proceed with this procedure, you must have an intact, non-scarred conjunctiva, or a thin tissue that coats the surface of the eye wall. Trabeculectomy is also difficult to perform on eyes with any scarred tissue from previous surgeries. Trabeculectomy does not reverse any existing vision damage caused by glaucoma, but it can be very successful in preventing further vision loss.

How Trabeculectomy is Performed:

The main goal of trabeculectomy is for Drs. Lapsi or So to create a small hole by removing a piece of tissue in the drainage angle of the eye. The opening this creates is then covered with a flap of tissue from the sclera, or the “white part” of the eye, and the conjunctiva. This new opening allows clear fluid, or aqueous humor, to drain out of the eye, and thereby relieves the high IOP, the cause of nerve damage and vision loss. As fluid flows through the new drainage passage, it forms into a blister called a bleb, located where the sclera and iris meet, and which is then absorbed into the bloodstream.

What to Expect After Surgery:

Patients are not usually admitted to the hospital following the procedure, but are generally expected to have a checkup the next day with their eye specialist. Antibiotics will be applied to the eye or injected under the conjunctiva. The eyelid will be taped shut, and a hard eye shield will be placed over the eye to facilitate healing and protection. Patients will be instructed to avoid activity that may strain the eye following surgery, including bending, and lifting.

The recovery period for trabeculectomy is generally between six to eight weeks. The postoperative follow-up is especially important with this procedure, as the effectiveness depends greatly on the ability of the conjunctiva to heal. Mild discomfort following surgery is common, but severe pain ay be a sign of complications. If you experience such pain, contact our practice immediately.

Risks and Side Effects:

As with all surgeries, some side effect may occur. Likewise, it is important to understand the risks of trabeculectomy, and to determine your suitability for the procedure. Drs. Lapsi or So can help you decide when trabeculectomy is right for you.

A main risk of trabeculectomy is postoperative scarring of the new opening. Scarring in this area prevents fluid drainage, and interferes with the functioning of the bleb. Other possible side effects include bleeding in the eye, infection in the eye, and extremely low eye pressure causing blurred vision.

Effectiveness:

Trabeculectomy has about a 65-70% success rate in reducing visual field loss and lowering eye pressure, with an additional 20% success rate at achieving the goal IOP when combined with postoperative anti-glaucoma medications. Trabeculectomy is considered successful if it controls the IOP for a period of 7 to 8 years. If the first procedure fails, an additional trabeculectomy (or two) can be performed. Subsequent surgeries however, have a higher chance of failure than the original trabeculectomy.

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Omni Eye Care

Ophthalmologist located in Covina, CA & El Monte, CA

Omni Eye Care provides comprehensive eye care in the San Gabriel Valley under the leadership of Dr. Shelly Bagai Lapsi, MD. Patients seeking specialized treatment for cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and dry eye will appreciate the exceptional care provided by Dr. Lapsi and her staff. Omni Eye Care offers full-service ophthalmology care including complete eye exams, refractions, laser procedures, and state-of-the-art cataract surgery.

We recognize the need for personalized eye care for the entire family, encompassing compassion and focused attention to your needs. In today’s shifting healthcare environment, the continuity of care between a patient and doctor is paramount to achieving positive medical outcomes. At all times, your care will be directed under the leadership of Dr. Lapsi.

Our beautiful facilities in Covina and El Monte, California, were carefully designed with your comfort in mind the moment you enter, with genuine care and exceptional support from our team. We only utilize the latest ophthalmic equipment to diagnose and treat your specific eye conditions. Our facilities also feature electronic medical records with a patient portal to optimize medical communication between our patients and staff.

Omni Eye Care

Services and Conditions

Credentials

Cataract Surgery

Dr. Shelly Bagai Lapsi, MD is one of the leading eye surgeons providing cataract surgery. At Omni Eye Care, Dr. Lapsi provides consultations and evaluations to diagnose your cataract condition and plan the best course for treatment. Early detection and diagnosis of cataracts offers you the best opportunity for cataract treatment so to avoid vision loss. If you notice vision changes such as blurred vision, halos around lights, glare while driving at night, or double vision, let Dr. Lapsi assist you today.

FAQLearn MoreTreatments

 

Dr. Lapsi specializes in cataract surgery, which is the most effective solution for this eye condition. She provides phacoemulsification and extracapsular cataract extraction surgical methods. Phacoemulsification or “phaco” is the most common surgery used to remove cataracts. This method is ideal for treating cataracts in the early stage. By using phaco, Dr. Lapsi can break apart the cataracts and help you see clearly once again. For more advanced stages of cataracts, the extracapsular cataract extraction is typically used. If you are ready to break free of the foggy vision you are experiencing due to cataracts contact your Covina, CA ophthalmologist Dr. Lapsi to schedule a consultation.

Cataract Treatments

  • Toric Intraocular Lens

    Cataract patients now have the option of reducing or eliminating pre-existing astigmatism with the Toric Intraocular Lens (IOL). This new lens design provides quality distance vision and astigmatism correction all in one step.

     

    Multifocal Lenses

    Imagine the ability to see your world as well as you did when you were young, without glasses or contact lenses. Being able to see all you want to see – regardless of how far away or close up you are viewing? Youthful vision is possible with the new Acrysof ReSTOR® and other Multifocal Intraocular lenses.

     

Insurance

Our office deals with several contracted payors, including Medicare and most HMO and PPO insurances. We also accept all major credit cards, checks, and cash. As a courtesy, we ask that you keep us informed of any change to your insurance. It is also important that all information about you is current. Please click below for more information:

Insurance Information

  Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield
AARP
Aetna
Anthem Blue Cross
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
Blue Cross
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Blue Shield of California
Capital Blue Cross
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CBA Blue
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Patient Portal

We are excited to offer you access to your personal health information through our EMA Patient Portal. This portal will allow you to update your medical and surgical history, pharmacy information, and medication list. You will also have access to summaries of your office visits and information about your diagnoses and treatments. Please click on the link below to access the patient portal.

If you need your username and password, please email our offices at info@omnieyecare.com

Patient Portal Login

Testimonials

Words from our patients

  • Yelp

    "I am so grateful for the help I received from Dr. Shelly Lapsi. She is wonderful at explaining everything clearly. She is also compassionate and knowledgeable."

    Laurie G.
  • Yelp

    "Dr. Lapsi is amazing as a doctor and a person. She really empathizes with her patients and their families and does her best to explain everything in a friendly way."

    Brian J.
  • Yelp

    "My grandfather considers Dr. Lapsi the angel who saved his vision. It was so amazing to see his expressions of amazement as he began to look at the world anew."

    Brian J.
  • facebook

    "Excellent Practice. I highly recommend it."

    Rati B.
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