When considering performing glaucoma surgery in patients who are pregnant, ophthalmologists should weigh factors such as timing of surgery and type of anesthesia while prioritizing a team approach.
While data covering the impact of glaucoma surgery on pregnancy are limited, Sunita Radhakrishnan, MD, said that the risk profile is different compared with common non-obstetric surgeries.
“Eye surgery has a relatively short duration,” she said in a presentation at the American Glaucoma Society meeting. “It can be performed under local anesthesia, and there is very minimal postoperative pain, which