What are Tube Shunts?

Over 2 million people in the US and many more across the world are affected by glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness. Blockage of the eye’s drainage channels causes pressure to build, resulting in damage to the optic nerve, which connects the eyes to the brain. It is best to act quickly to prevent additional damage to the optic nerve and avoid future vision loss. One treatment option for glaucoma is a surgical procedure by which a small device called a shunt is inserted into the trabecular meshwork of the eye. A shunt is a small tube that creates an alternative passageway for the excess fluid to drain, reducing the pressure in the eye. The implant procedure is typically an outpatient surgery, done under local anesthesia. This solution is extremely effective in treating glaucoma. It consistently reduces pressure, is long lasting, and offers a quick recovery time. Ask your eyecare professional for more information on the glaucoma tube shunt procedure.