Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Eye Care Community
This patient support community is for discussions relating to eye care, cataracts, glaucoma, retinal detachment, eye infections, misaligned eyes, intra-ocular implants, refractive surgery (LASIK and CK), glasses, contact lenses, amblyopia, eye injuries, dry eyes, ocular allergy, eye pain and discomfort, pediatric eye disorders, eyelid and tearduct surgery, poor eyesight, and eye surgery.
Cataract Surgery at age 72 and with Pseudoexfoliation
by rybn, Jun 18, 2008 07:50PM
Hello,
I am 72 Years old. The eye doctor keeps telling me for the last 20 years that I have cataract and (for the last 6 years) I also have pseudoexfoliation (PXE). He "drilled" holes in my iris (with a green laser) to prevent a sudden dangerous high pressure in the eyes. My IOP is only 14mmHg. I don't have any signs of glaucoma.
I have no symptoms of the cataract. I can drive and see everything during days and nights. But my doctor urges me to have the cataract surgery as soon as possible because of the PXE. He says that the lens becomes harder and the zonules can break while attempting to remove the lens. If this happens, than there is nothing to hold the capsule (with the IOL) in place. I also read that the zonules may break later if not broken during the surgery.
I found out on this forum that in a cataract surgery with PXE the risk of complications maybe 10-15% or even higher, compared to 1-3% without PXE.
My question: Should I have the cataract surgery now, or wait until symptoms interfere with my life.
I have to mention that I am taking warfarin for my atrial fibrillation (mitral valve repair and unsuccessful atrial ablations) and also aspirin for the stent placed in my RCA, as well as other medications for my heart.
I am 72 Years old. The eye doctor keeps telling me for the last 20 years that I have cataract and (for the last 6 years) I also have pseudoexfoliation (PXE). He "drilled" holes in my iris (with a green laser) to prevent a sudden dangerous high pressure in the eyes. My IOP is only 14mmHg. I don't have any signs of glaucoma.
I have no symptoms of the cataract. I can drive and see everything during days and nights. But my doctor urges me to have the cataract surgery as soon as possible because of the PXE. He says that the lens becomes harder and the zonules can break while attempting to remove the lens. If this happens, than there is nothing to hold the capsule (with the IOL) in place. I also read that the zonules may break later if not broken during the surgery.
I found out on this forum that in a cataract surgery with PXE the risk of complications maybe 10-15% or even higher, compared to 1-3% without PXE.
My question: Should I have the cataract surgery now, or wait until symptoms interfere with my life.
I have to mention that I am taking warfarin for my atrial fibrillation (mitral valve repair and unsuccessful atrial ablations) and also aspirin for the stent placed in my RCA, as well as other medications for my heart.
Post Comment
Also with PXE there is a 25% chance of developing pseudoexfoliative glaucoma.
JCH III MD
Dr. Hagan is always great with patients. He is so experienced and knowledgeable.
Let us know how you are doing.