Cataracts and glaucoma

[wegard]

What special considerations, if any, need to be taken as my wife considers having her cataracts removed and a multi-focal lens inserted, given the fact that her IOP's were slightly elevated (and an Aunt had glaucoma) but returned toward normal on Xalatan drops?  Might she expect the cataract surgery itself to alter her pressures toward normal or should she have a combined laser filtering procedure?  Thanks.

[Marilyn3330]

A related discussion, Laser eye surgery - glaucoma was started.

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

Please do your research about the multifocal lens being considered.  Make sure you have spoken with some friends or relatives that have already had it.  Very important since there is no way to "try out" these type of lenses.  
Regarding the glaucoma, if it is well controlled on just one med then the actual surgery need not be altered much at all. In my practice I almost always bring the glaucoma patients to be seen about 5pm the day of the surgery so check the pressure. I personally often stop the xalatan for a few months after surgery and use another glaucoma drop instead but many doctors don't do that.  Basically, if your surgeon is experienced and excellent, the chances of success are very, very high.

MJK MD

[zelmo]

If glaucoma is involved, I would have a complete work up by a glaucoma specialist with his advice. Cataract surgery may have a positive affect on eye pressure but increases your chances of retinal detachment.

I lost the sight during retinal detachment surgery following cataract surgery. My optic nerve did not survive the surgery because of advanced glaucoma. A fact casually omitted to me prior to my cataract and retinal detachment surgery .

I would weigh all the factors and educate myself to ask all appropriate questions. It's your eyes...your responsibility.