Having surgery

If you are having a viscocanalostomy, you'll be on the day ward for about half a day. Sometimes you might need to stay overnight. The treatment will take place in one of our theatres. 

Anaesthetic options

The surgery can be done under local anaesthetic. The eye is numbed with drops into the eye, and an injection of anaesthetic inside or around the eye. Alternatively, it can be done under general anaesthetic (you will be asleep). The type of anaesthetic used depends on the surgeon and your preferences, and will be discussed with you.

Read about the different types of anaesthetic. 

Preparing for a viscocanalostomy

You'll have a pre-assessment appointment a few weeks before your surgery where more information will be given to you. 

Changes to your medicines

You might need to make changes to your medicines before surgery. 

Do not make any changes to your usual medicines, unless we have told you otherwise. Please remember to bring your medicines with you. 

You should let us know if you: 

• are taking any medicines that thin your blood, such as antiplatelet medicines (for example, aspirin or clopidogrel) or anticoagulant medicines (for example, warfarin or rivaroxaban), as you might need to stop taking these before your surgery 
• have diabetes, as you may need to alter the dose of your diabetes medicines
• are taking any regular medicines (including anything you buy from a pharmacy or shop, and any herbal or homeopathic medicines)
• have any allergies to any medicines

More information about stopping any medicines will be given to you at your pre-assessment appointment. 

Fasting instructions

If you are having local anaesthetic, you can eat and drink as usual. 

If you are having general anaesthetic, you will need to follow the fasting (not eating or drinking) instructions given to you at your pre-assessment appointment. 

On the day of surgery

It's important that you use your regular eye drops as normal on the morning of your surgery, unless your doctor has told you otherwise. 

You will also need to have someone to accompany you home after your surgery. 

During surgery

The surgeon makes an opening through the white of the eye to find the trabecular meshwork (the area where the fluid that is produced inside the eye is meant to drain through). The entrance of the drain is then cleared so that fluid should be able to flow more easily into the main drainage canal. This canal is also made wider so the eye pressure can be reduced. The area is then closed using dissolvable stitches.

Pain during surgery

After the anaesthetic is given, you should not feel pain during the surgery.