Definition of Trabeculectomy

Trabeculectomy is a surgical procedure that treats glaucoma that lowers the intraocular pressure. Medical professionals typically perform the surgery after medications or laser treatments failed to control elevated intraocular pressure. In this procedure, a physician makes an opening in the eye and creates a flap over this hole to allow fluid to escape the eye in a controlled fashion. Trabeculectomy has a success rate of 60%-80% in controlling intraocular pressure for up to 5 years.