cataract and glaucoma

Hi, my mom was diagnosed with glaucoma and cataracts back in 2006. She had surgery for her glaucoma and has the tube implants placed in her eye. But the Dr is telling her that he cannot remove the catracts because her blood vessels in her right eye has grown into the cataracts and could cause more damage. My mom is blind and I wanted to know is there anything else we can do. I feel if a Dr did remove the cataracts she would be able to see something. What should we do?

[Sandy Feldman, MD, MS]

Dear jasmin20,

I would recommend seeking the care of an eyeMD specializing in glaucoma and/or cataracts to determine whether removal of the cataract might help in improving your mom’s vision.  Depending on the extent and type of glaucomatous damage, it might not be beneficial so it is best to seek the care from specialists.

Dr. Feldman

Sandy T. Feldman, M.D., M.S.
ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center
San Diego, California