Tube Shunt Surgery

What is tube shunt surgery?

Tube-shunt surgery is a procedure in which a small, flexible plastic tube connected to a drainage pouch is inserted into the eye to help drain excess fluid. The surgery may be performed while the patient is fully asleep, under general anesthesia, or while the eye is numbed, using local anesthesia.

This type of surgery is also known as a glaucoma drainage device procedure.

Why is it needed?

In glaucoma, fluid (aqueous humor) does not drain properly from the eye. This causes increased intraocular pressure (IOP), which can damage the optic nerve and lead to permanent vision loss.

Tube shunt surgery creates a new pathway for fluid to drain, helping to lower eye pressure and reduce the risk of further damage.