Combined Cataract and Glaucoma Surgery

Cataracts and glaucoma often coexist, especially in older adults. While cataracts cause cloudy vision, glaucoma leads to increased intraocular pressure (IOP) that can damage the optic nerve. Interestingly, early cataract surgery can not only restore clear vision but also help manage glaucoma more effectively.

Glaucoma & Cataract

Early cataract surgery can reduce IOP in glaucoma patients, potentially decreasing the need for glaucoma medications and enhancing the effectiveness of other treatments. This approach is particularly beneficial for patients with early to moderate glaucoma or those who are not yet on maximal medical therapy.

What to Expect During the Procedure

The combined surgery typically involves:

Postoperative Care: Use of prescribed eye drops to prevent infection and control inflammation, along with scheduled follow-up visits to monitor healing and IOP..

Preoperative Assessment: Comprehensive eye examination, including IOP measurement, visual field testing, and optic nerve evaluation.

Surgical Procedure: Removal of the cataract followed by the glaucoma surgery component, all performed through small incisions.

How Early Cataract Surgery Benefits Glaucoma Patients

Lowering Intraocular Pressure (IOP): Removing the cataract can reduce IOP by improving aqueous humor outflow. Studies have shown that cataract surgery alone can decrease IOP by an average of 8.5 mmHg in glaucoma patients

Reducing Medication Dependency: By lowering IOP, patients may require fewer glaucoma medications, leading to decreased side effects and improved adherence to treatment regimens.

Enhancing Surgical Outcomes: Performing cataract surgery early can improve the success rates of subsequent glaucoma surgeries, such as trabeculectomy or tube shunt procedures .