An eye stent is a tiny, tube-like device surgically placed within the eye, primarily to manage glaucoma. Glaucoma is an eye condition characterized by elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), which can damage the optic nerve and lead to irreversible vision loss. The stent’s purpose is to create or enhance a drainage pathway for the clear fluid within the eye, preventing pressure buildup. This fluid normally flows through a meshwork of tissue and drains into a canal. When this drainage system becomes blocked, an eye stent helps maintain a healthy fluid balance, thereby lowering IOP, and is often used in conjunction with cataract surgery for individuals with mild to moderate open-angle glaucoma.
Immediate Post-Procedure Experience
Immediately following the eye stent procedure, patients can expect certain sensations as the eye begins its healing process. Mild discomfort, a feeling of pressure, or watery eyes are common and generally subside within the first day or two. Vision in the operated eye is typically blurry or hazy right after the procedure. This initial blurriness is a normal part of recovery, often due to factors like inflammation, dilating drops, or the eye adjusting. A temporary eye covering or shield is usually applied immediately after surgery, offering protection from accidental bumps, rubbing, or irritants during initial recovery. Patients are typically discharged the same day, though they will need someone to drive them home due to sedating medications. Eye pressure may drop as quickly as 24 hours after surgery, though patients may not feel this change.
Managing Your Recovery at Home
Adherence to post-operative instructions is important for a smooth recovery. Your doctor will prescribe eye drops, which typically include antibiotics to prevent infection and anti-inflammatory drops to reduce swelling and discomfort. These drops are usually applied multiple times a day, with frequency gradually decreasing over several weeks or months. Wash your hands thoroughly before applying eye drops and avoid touching the eye surface with the bottle tip to prevent contamination.
Activity restrictions are usually advised to protect the healing eye. Avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and bending at the waist for a few weeks, as these actions can increase eye pressure. Rubbing the eye must also be avoided. Avoid swimming for at least three to four weeks due to the risk of infection from waterborne bacteria. Makeup should also be avoided for several weeks, as it can harbor bacteria and its removal often involves rubbing the eye.
Wear the protective eye shield while sleeping for at least one to two weeks, or as advised by your surgeon, to prevent accidental injury during sleep. During the day, wearing glasses can provide additional protection against accidental bumps. While showering or bathing, avoid getting water or chemicals directly into the operated eye, especially during the first week.
Understanding Your Vision Recovery
Vision recovery after an eye stent procedure is a gradual process. Vision may fluctuate, appear blurry, or even seem worse temporarily before it begins to improve. This initial blurriness can persist for several days to a few weeks, or in some cases, up to six weeks. Vision typically stabilizes within several weeks to a few months.
Patients might experience light sensitivity or glare, especially in the initial weeks following the procedure. This can be due to inflammation, the eye adjusting to increased light entering after cataract removal (if combined), or the pupil’s temporary response to light. Wearing sunglasses outdoors and in brightly lit indoor environments can help manage this sensitivity. Patients can usually resume daily activities like reading or watching television within a few days, but driving should wait until vision has stabilized and meets legal standards.
Ongoing Monitoring and Follow-Up
Scheduled post-operative appointments with your ophthalmologist are important for monitoring healing and ensuring the stent functions properly. The first follow-up visit is typically the day after surgery, with subsequent appointments about a week later, then a few weeks or months after that. During these visits, the ophthalmologist checks eye pressure, examines stent position and function, and adjusts eye drop medications as needed.
Be aware of warning signs that necessitate immediate medical attention: sudden severe pain, significant vision loss, increasing redness, or any eye discharge. Flashing lights or new floaters should also prompt a call to your doctor. Adhering to the follow-up schedule and reporting unusual symptoms contributes to the long-term success of the procedure and helps manage complications.