Glaucoma / Green Star Surgery in 🇸🇮 Slovenia

Glaucoma, also known as the “green star” in German-speaking countries, covers various eye conditions in which the optic nerve is progressively damaged. Glaucoma surgery primarily aims to lower the intraocular pressure (IOP) permanently in order to prevent further damage to the optic nerve and preserve the remaining eyesight — vision that has already been lost cannot be restored by the operation.

Main benefits of glaucoma surgery

1. Effective and lasting reduction of intraocular pressure

Glaucoma operations can lower the intraocular pressure significantly and in the long term — depending on the procedure by about 20–50% compared with the initial value. With normal-tension glaucoma even a single-digit IOP can be reached, which is particularly effective at preventing further loss of visual field.

2. Preserving the remaining eyesight and preventing further damage to the optic nerve

The most important benefit is preserving the eyesight you still have by preventing further damage to the optic nerve. Studies show that a successful reduction in pressure slows or stops the progression of visual field loss — with early surgery, a slight improvement of the visual field can in some cases even be observed.

3. Fewer eye drops, or none at all

Many patients can considerably reduce the number of daily glaucoma eye drops after surgery or even stop them completely — studies show that 70–90% of patients need less medication and many become drop-free. This improves quality of life considerably, as patients no longer have to apply drops every day, which is a real relief especially with long-term therapy involving several preparations a day. It also removes the side effects of the drops (e.g. burning, redness, allergic reactions, systemic effects such as low blood pressure or a slower heartbeat with beta blockers).

4. Better quality of life and less fear of further loss of vision

Patients often report a markedly better quality of life after surgery, because they can go about their daily lives with less anxiety about their eyesight. Stable pressure control and the knowledge that further damage is being effectively prevented reduce the psychological burden considerably.

5. Long-term savings

Although the operation involves costs at first, in the long run it can be more cost-effective than lifelong drug therapy with several eye drops a day over decades. Especially for patients who need several drops a day or whose medication does not work well enough, surgery is an economically sensible alternative.

Important note

Glaucoma surgery is not a cure — glaucoma remains a chronic condition that continues to require regular check-ups. The aim is not improvement but preserving the remaining eyesight. In the first weeks after the operation, the stability of the intraocular pressure is the most important factor in whether central vision improves or deteriorates further — careful aftercare is therefore decisive.

Why GO Medics?

GO Medics connects you with ISO-certified partner clinics in Croatia and Slovenia — with German-speaking support, transparent prices and personal guidance from the first consultation to aftercare.