Cataracts and Avodart

[techron]

I'm 68 years old and have had Cataracts for over 2 years. I've been taking Avodart for over a year. Should I stop taking Avodart and wait awhile before cataract surgery or will the informed Dr be able to work with my eyes?  I've never taken Flomax and have heard the warnings from the commercial and read about Flomax. I'm concerned about any complications.  

I'm also pretty active. Can I still swim after surgery and what are the chances of the lens shifting or coming loose?

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

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[techron]

Thank you. I will fully inform my eye surgeon. Activities are mostly walking and golf. Swimming is occasional with grandchildren during vaction at end of summer and only with doctor clearance.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

1. Do not stop taking avodart.  That medication and other like it such as flomax can cause "floppy iris syndrome" here's the deal even if you stop it can still happen so don't stop. The eye surgeon needs to know ahead of time you're on the medicine so special drops and techniques can be used.
2. Swimming is BAD after surgery and should be avoided. I ask my patients not to swim for 6 weeks. There are lots of other exercises like walking or cycling that you can do after a few days.

JCH MD