What it is
Glaucoma damages the optic nerve, almost always because of pressure inside the eye that the nerve cannot tolerate. When drops and laser cannot lower it enough, or the damage keeps progressing, surgery creates a new outflow for the fluid of the eye.
Surgery does not restore vision that has already been lost: its goal is to protect what remains. Frequent follow-up visits come afterwards, because the result is fine-tuned in the first weeks and glaucoma is followed for life.
Techniques and procedures
-
01
Trabeculectomy
A small channel is created through which fluid leaves the eye to under the conjunctiva, where it is reabsorbed. It is the most studied glaucoma surgery.
-
02
Drainage devices (valves)
A thin tube carries the fluid to a reservoir placed on the wall of the eye. They are used in difficult glaucomas or when another surgery has stopped working.
-
03
Combined surgery with cataract
When cataract and glaucoma are present together, in some cases both are addressed in the same operation.
Who treats it
When to get checked
- Your pressure stays high despite using drops.
- Your visual field shows the damage is still progressing.
- You cannot tolerate the drops or find it hard to use them every day.
- Intense eye pain with blurry vision, halos and nausea: this is an emergency, come in the same day.
If any of these sound familiar, the sensible step is an assessment: that is where you find out what is going on and what to do about it.
General guidance. It does not replace an assessment by a specialist.
Related services
-
Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS)
Minimally invasive surgery with tiny implants that improve the drainage of the eye, meant for mild to moderate glaucoma.
-
Glaucoma treatment
Drops, laser and optic nerve monitoring to lower eye pressure and slow the damage. Control is lifelong.
-
Comprehensive eye exam
A complete assessment of your eyes: visual acuity, prescription, intraocular pressure and an examination of the front and the back of the eye.
Accreditations
-
Mexican Board of Ophthalmology
All three doctors, board-certified in the specialty.
-
COFEPRIS
Current operating notice with the federal health authority.
-
Centro Médico ABC
All three doctors, members of its medical society.
-
Instituto de Oftalmología
Fundación Conde de Valenciana IAP.
-
Mexican Society of Ophthalmology
Active members, current in their subspecialty.
Contact
Where we are
Arrive 10 minutes before your appointment: the clinic is in Torre A, fifth floor, and the entrance and the elevator take a moment.
- Prolongación Vasco de Quiroga 4001
- Torre A, Piso 5, Consultorio 5
- Santa Fe, 05370
- Cuajimalpa, Ciudad de México
Write to us
Leave us your details and we will contact you the same day to coordinate your visit.
Notes
What is worth knowing about your eyes
-
Glaucoma gives almost no warning
Side vision goes little by little and the brain fills in what is missing. By the time you notice, the optic nerve is damaged.
Dra. Jasbeth Jahaira Ledesma Gil
Read note -
If glaucoma runs in your family
Your check-ups start earlier. Pressure alone is not enough: the optic nerve and the visual field are assessed too, and repeated over time.
Dra. Jasbeth Jahaira Ledesma Gil
Read note -
Glaucoma drops are for every day
They are not felt and they do not relieve a symptom: that is why they get forgotten. What they do is hold the pressure while the nerve holds on.
Dra. Jasbeth Jahaira Ledesma Gil
Read note
Frequently asked questions
What people ask us most before their first visit
Do I need a referral to book a visit?
No. You can book your consultation directly. If another doctor referred you, please bring their notes and any tests: they help us avoid repeating work that is already done.
How long does the first assessment take?
Between 30 and 60 minutes. It includes a full eye exam.
What should I bring to my appointment?
Your current glasses, a list of the medications you take and any previous eye tests or prescriptions. If you wear contact lenses, ask us how long before the visit you should take them out.
Will my pupils be dilated? Can I drive afterwards?
Often yes, especially for retina and glaucoma exams. The drops leave your vision blurry and light-sensitive for a couple of hours, so it is best to bring someone along or not drive back.
Where is the clinic?
In Santa Fe, inside an office tower: Prolongación Vasco de Quiroga 4001, Tower A, 5th floor, office 5. Allow a few minutes for the entrance and the elevator; the "Directions" button opens the route on the map.