Cataract/Flomax

[Saul1935]

I am 73 years old and have had Cataracts for over  a year.
I have been taking Flomax once every 4 or 5 days for 3 years.
I currently see an Optometrist through a Meidcare Contracted HMO who can refer me an Ophthalmologist
for the cataract surgery.
I am worried about complications that may arise during the cataract surgery due to Floppy Iris Syndrome.
Should I have the surgery or wait for a few years or should I stop taking Flomax for a few months and go
ahead with the surgery.

[Saul1935]

Cataaract/Finesteride
I recently started taking Finesteride instead of Flomax.  Would that be a better choice when getting my Cataract Surgery

[Saul1935]

I recently started taking Finesteride instead of Flomax.  Would that be a better choice when getting my Cataract Surgery

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

Stopping the Flomax at this stage really doesn't help.  The effects on the iris are basically permanant by now.  I would concentrate on finding the best cataract surgeon on your plan and make sure he or she has done dozens and dozens of Flomax cases and is very comortable with the management.  Dr. David Chang in Los Altos, CA has written extensively on the best techniques to manage such cases.  The surgeon may possible have you use strong dilating drops for a few days before surgery, an injection of epinephrine or phenylephrine in the eye, the use of Healon 5 and or flexible, disposable iris retractors may also be needed.  Overall, with proper technique, your risk of complications should be just a little more than the average case.  I have been doing about 1 or 2 such cases a week for the last 3 years or so.   They are actually becoming a little bit routine, but I have to stay on my toes.  The worst period was when we didn't know that Flomax did this and we would just have some cases where the iris was unexpectedly very floppy and coming out the incisions.  We have Dr. Chang to thank for discovering the Flomax link to floppy iris syndrome.

MJK MD