Trabeculectomy
A classic glaucoma surgery that creates a new aqueous humor drainage pathway through the eye wall to lower intraocular pressure.
Trabeculectomy is the most established glaucoma filtration surgery, creating a controlled drainage channel (filtering bleb) at the corneoscleral limbus to divert aqueous humor from the anterior chamber to the subconjunctival space for absorption, thereby lowering IOP. Antimetabolites such as mitomycin C (MMC) or 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) are commonly applied during surgery to reduce scarring and improve success rates. The procedure provides reliable IOP reduction and is the standard surgical option for moderate-to-advanced glaucoma with inadequate medical control.
Quick Reference
Treatment
30 mins – 1 hours
Observation
1 days – 3 days
Est. Cost
¥1,755.76 – ¥6,584.09
Department
Ophthalmology
Who Is This For
Is Trabeculectomy Right for You?
Good Candidates
- Open-angle glaucoma with inadequate medical control
- Angle-closure glaucoma requiring additional IOP reduction after laser iridotomy
- Patients intolerant to IOP-lowering medications
- Patients with poor medication compliance
May Not Be Suitable
- Active neovascular glaucoma
- Severe conjunctival scarring (multiple prior surgeries)
- Patients unable to comply with postoperative follow-up
- Active ocular infection
Step-by-Step Process
How Trabeculectomy Works
Anesthesia and exposure
Peribulbar or retrobulbar anesthesia; create fornix-based or limbus-based conjunctival flap.
Scleral flap creation
Create a partial-thickness scleral flap approximately 4x3mm, hinged to expose deeper sclera.
Antimetabolite application
Place mitomycin C-soaked sponges under the scleral flap for 2-3 minutes, then irrigate.
Trabecular tissue excision
Excise trabecular meshwork and Schlemm's canal wall tissue; perform peripheral iridectomy.
Scleral flap suturing
Suture the scleral flap with adjustable/releasable sutures to control aqueous outflow.
Conjunctival closure
Watertight closure of the conjunctival flap to form a filtering bleb.
Single procedure. Close postoperative IOP monitoring required with possible suture adjustment or bleb intervention.
Cost Information
Cost Estimate for Trabeculectomy
Estimated Price Range
¥1,755.76 – ¥6,584.09
What's Included
Public tier-3A International Medical Department: approximately ¥12,000-22,000 (including surgery, antimetabolites, and hospitalization); premium private eye centers: approximately ¥25,000-45,000 (including senior glaucoma specialist, private room, and detailed postoperative care). Combined with cataract surgery adds approximately ¥8,000-20,000.
Before Your Visit
What to Prepare
Required Tests & Examinations
If you already have recent valid test results, bring the reports. If not, these assessments can usually be completed in China before the procedure.
IOP measurement (diurnal curve)
Gonioscopy
Optic nerve OCT
Visual field testing
Corneal endothelial cell count
Conjunctival condition assessment
Documents & Materials to Bring
Required to Bring
Passport and valid visa
Previous IOP records and medication list
Visual field test reports
OCT reports
Companion & Support
Accompaniment needed on surgery day and during the initial recovery period.
After Treatment
Recovery & Follow-Up
Strictly avoid rubbing or pressing the operated eye
Initial low IOP is expected and normal
Use prescribed steroid and antibiotic eye drops as directed
Avoid bending down or straining (increases IOP)
Seek immediate care if sudden vision loss or eye pain occurs
Long-term protection of the filtering bleb is essential
Follow-Up Schedule
Follow-up at day 1, day 3, week 1, week 2, month 1, and month 3. Then every 3-6 months.
Related Conditions
Conditions This Procedure Treats
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Frequently Asked Questions
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