Filtration surgery is a medical procedure used to treat glaucoma. The word "filtration" is spelled with the IPA phonetic transcription: /ˌfɪlˈtreɪʃən/. This means that "filter" is pronounced with an "i" sound followed by a "l" sound, and "tion" is pronounced as "shən". The word "surgery" is also pronounced with the IPA transcription: /ˈsɜːrdʒəri/, with the "su" pronounced as "sə" and "gery" pronounced as "dʒəri". It's important for medical professionals to know and understand the correct spelling and pronunciation of medical terms to effectively communicate with patients and colleagues.
Filtration surgery is a surgical procedure commonly performed to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with glaucoma. Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions characterized by increased pressure within the eye, which can damage the optic nerve and lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated. Filtration surgery aims to create a new drainage pathway for the fluid (aqueous humor) within the eye, thus allowing excess fluid to drain out effectively and decrease IOP.
The procedure involves creating a small opening in the sclera (the white part of the eye) in order to allow the aqueous humor to bypass the natural drainage system of the eye and form a new channel called a filtration bleb. This filtration bleb acts as a reservoir where excess fluid collects and is eventually absorbed by the body, thereby lowering IOP.
Filtration surgery is typically performed when other treatment approaches like medications and laser therapies fail to adequately control the intraocular pressure. It is categorized as a surgical intervention and requires meticulous planning and execution by an experienced ophthalmic surgeon.
Following the surgery, careful post-operative care is crucial to ensure proper healing of the filtration bleb and prevent complications such as scarring and infection. Regular monitoring of IOP and potential adjustments to medications may also be necessary after the surgery to maintain optimal control of intraocular pressure.