Trabeculectomy Surgery in the Philippines
Trabeculectomy is a common surgical treatment for glaucoma patients whose intraocular pressure cannot be managed by medications or laser therapy. This procedure helps lower eye pressure by creating a new drainage pathway for fluid to exit the eye, reducing the risk of optic nerve damage and vision loss.
How Trabeculectomy Works
The surgeon creates a small flap in the sclera (the white part of the eye) and a reservoir under the conjunctiva. This allows the aqueous humor (eye fluid) to drain slowly, lowering eye pressure. The surgery typically lasts 30 to 60 minutes and is performed under local anesthesia with sedation.
Cost of Trabeculectomy in the Philippines
The cost of trabeculectomy surgery in the Philippines varies based on several factors:
Hospital location and reputation
Surgeon’s professional fee
Type of anesthesia and additional treatments
Whether anti-scarring medication like Mitomycin-C is used
On average, trabeculectomy costs in the Philippines range from ₱35,000 to ₱90,000, depending on whether the surgery is performed in a private or public hospital.
Compare hospital rates for glaucoma surgery in the Philippines
👉 https://glaucoma.ph/glaucoma-treatment-cost-philippines-2025/
Who Needs Trabeculectomy Surgery?
This surgery is recommended for patients who:
Cannot achieve target intraocular pressure with medications or laser therapy
Have advanced open-angle glaucoma
Experience disease progression despite maximum medical therapy
Risks and Complications
Like any surgical procedure, trabeculectomy has potential risks, including:
Infection or inflammation
Excessively low eye pressure (hypotony)
Bleeding in the eye
Scarring that blocks fluid drainage
Regular post-operative care and follow-ups are crucial to prevent complications.
Recovery After Trabeculectomy
Most patients return home the same day
Eye drops to prevent infection and scarring are prescribed
Vision may be blurry for the first few weeks
Avoid strenuous activities during recovery
Complete healing usually takes 6 to 8 weeks, but results vary per patient.
✅ Bottom Line: Trabeculectomy is a proven and effective option for managing glaucoma when other treatments fail. Discuss with your ophthalmologist to determine if this surgery suits your condition and budget.
