What is barometric surgery?

Barometric surgery is a procedure in which the pressure inside the eye is increased by injecting a gas bubble. This is done to treat certain eye conditions, such as glaucoma, in which the pressure inside the eye is too high. The increased pressure helps to push the fluid out of the eye, which reduces the pressure and relieves symptoms.

The procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis, and it takes about 15-20 minutes. The eye is numbed with local anaesthesia, and a small incision is made in the white part of the eye. A gas bubble is then injected into the eye, and the incision is closed with a stitch.

The patient will need to stay in a supine position for several hours after the procedure to allow the gas bubble to rise to the top of the eye. The gas bubble will gradually dissolve over the next few weeks.

Barometric surgery is a safe and effective procedure, but there are some potential complications, such as infection, bleeding, and damage to the lens. The risks of the procedure are usually outweighed by the benefits.