Glaucoma surgery in Italian Eye Hospital

Glaucoma surgery at the Italian Eye Hospital in Prishtina, Kosovo, helps lower eye pressure using laser or surgical methods. Treatment costs vary by technique, with laser options starting around $100 and surgical procedures like trabeculectomy costing about $900. The hospital is affiliated with the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) and treats over 15,000 patients every year.

Glaucoma Treatment Methods

The medical team chooses a method based on the patient's eye pressure and type of glaucoma. Laser treatments are often the first step when eye drops do not provide enough relief. These include Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) for around $300 and YAG laser iridotomy for about $200. These procedures help fluid drain better from the eye without traditional incisions.

For more advanced cases, the hospital offers several surgical options:

• Trabeculectomy (TTR): A common surgery to create a new drainage path, typically costing around $900.
• Glaucoma Shunt Surgery: Implantation of a drainage device, which costs around $1,600.
• Ahmed Valve Implantation: A specialized valve to regulate fluid flow, priced around $1,600.
• Cyclocryoanemization: A procedure to reduce fluid production, costing around $300.

Expert Glaucoma Specialist

Prof. Assoc. Dr. Qëndresë Daka leads the glaucoma treatments at the facility. She has over 15 years of clinical experience in ophthalmology and ocular surface diseases. Dr. Daka is a Fellow of the European Board of Ophthalmology (FEBO) and completed a fellowship with the European Glaucoma Society (EGS). She also holds a PhD in Medical Sciences, focusing on precise surgical care for complex eye conditions.

Diagnostics and Care

Before any procedure, patients undergo a thorough eye exam to map the disease. This includes intraocular pressure measurement and optical coherence tomography (OCT) to view the optic nerve. Doctors also use perimetry for visual field testing and gonioscopy to check the eye's drainage angle. These tests help the surgeon plan the most effective approach for each patient.

Recovery involves regular follow-up visits to monitor eye pressure. Patients use antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops for several weeks after surgery. This care helps the eye heal correctly and prevents pressure from rising again. To learn more about treatment options in Kosovo, you may leave a request on Bookimed.