Free diving after trabeculectomy

[Bruce Durnbaugh]

I will be having trabeculectomy to control glaucoma. I have been diagonsed for 20+ yrs. Drugs no longer effective in controling pressure. have had laser treatment years ago. I mostly free dive to ~20'. No problem with pressure in mask. Currently use low volume mask. Can I continue to dive after surgery?

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi Bruce,

Trabeculectomy, or "trab," is more formally known as glaucoma filtration surgery. It is performed to lower eye pressure in people with glaucoma that can not be controlled by medication and laser treatment. Basically, the surgeon creates a tiny passageway from the inside to the outside of the eye which helps to drain excess intraocular fluid.

Given a successful procedure with no lasting complications, the patient may seek medical clearance from his ophthalmologist to return to free diving. There usually is no reason why diving can not be resumed, although a post-op wait of at least two months is recommended (Surv Ophthalmol. 1995 Mar-Apr;39(5):347-66; "Diving and hyperbaric ophthalmology"; Butler FK Jr.). The diver also will want to take all reasonable precautions to prevent mask squeeze.

Helpful?

Happy holidays.

DocVikingo

This is educational only and does not constitute or imply a doctor-patient relationship. It is not medical advice to you or any other individual, and should not be construed as such.

 

[Bruce Durnbaugh]

Thanks for you quick response. I have seen some conflicting info about diving after the surgery. I will get clearence before diving. With no problem with equalizing pressure I expected that surgery would not cause me to give up diving. Thanks again.