TRABECULECTOMY is the classic glaucoma surgery usually recommended, and works by making an opening in the eye that allows the intraocular fluid to exit the eye another way.  It is very effective but can have immediate and late complications.  Dr. Mellgren performed this for the first 5 year of her practice but has been searching for a glaucoma procedure with a more predictable post-operative course and less complications. Some patients may have to have this type of surgery if their disease process is too developed.  Dr. Mellgren offers standard trabeculectomy and a form of it called the Express mini-shunt which works by creating a bypass by placing a stainless steel mini-tube from the outside of the eye to the inside to allow aqueous to get out a different pathway.