Treatment of glaucoma and cataract in the same surgery

Glaucoma is an ophthalmologic pathology that responds to damage to the optic nerve, generally due to higher than normal ocular pressure. It is one of the most common causes of blindness in adults over 60 years of age.
Cataract is caused by the opacity of the crystalline lens, which generates a sensation of blurred or cloudy vision.
In many cases, the same patient may present glaucoma and cataracts, especially in the case of people over 50 years of age. In these situations, the ideal is to try to solve both problems simultaneously by means of combined surgery.

Is surgery always necessary?

Generally, combined surgery is indicated for patients with glaucoma who are under medical treatment and who have also developed cataracts. In addition, this type of procedure is very useful in people who, due to the special configuration of their iris, have a narrow anterior chamber, which hinders the intervention in more advanced stages.
The key factor that the Ophthalmology specialist must take into account when deciding whether to proceed with surgery or not is the loss of vision or the need to lower the ocular pressure, especially in those patients who administer more than two topical medications.

What does combined glaucoma and cataract surgery consist of?

Cataract surgery in glaucoma patients has many particularities and they are usually special surgeries. This is due to several reasons: firstly, they are often shorter eyes or eyes with an altered ocular surface due to years of chronic treatment with drops. Secondly, they often have insufficient pupillary dilation.
Therefore, it is reasonable to make a correct indication in relation to the timing of the surgery and to be very careful during the intervention. These surgeries are usually reserved for expert surgeons with experience in anterior pole surgery and glaucoma.

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Although it is a complex operation, with the development of minimally invasive surgery, we can improve the quality of vision and life of virtually everyone with cataract and glaucoma. The operation not only improves the patient’s vision, but also controls the intraocular pressure, avoiding the use of drops in a chronic way.

How is the preparation and recovery?

The preparation is usually the same as in conventional surgery, that is, to improve the ocular by reducing the use of hypotensive drugs. This is achieved by using anti-inflammatory drops and artificial tears from the week prior to surgery.
The procedure is usually performed under topical anesthesia and on an outpatient basis, so visual and functional recovery is rapid.