Cataracts and glaucoma go hand-in-hand and are frequently
seen together in a patient. Following routine cataract surgery,
exacerbation of glaucoma may occur in almost 33% of patients.
In
some patients, visual loss is extensive that postoperative
complications may blind the eye. In these advanced patients, glaucoma
surgery is performed at the same time as cataract surgery. The goal is to simultaneously improve the vision and lower the eye pressure.
The
Glaucoma Center specializes in the complicated patient with advanced
glaucoma and cataracts. All surgery is performed through the Ambulatory
Surgery Unit at University Hospital. Local anesthesia is used. The
procedure usually requires one hour. A patch is worn the night after
surgery. Eating normally, reading, walking, and watching television may
be performed the night after surgery. Driving may be performed two to
three days after surgery, vision permitting. Vision improves over two
the three months when glasses are prescribed. Complications such as
bleeding and infection are slightly higher as compared to routine
cataract surgery, but still remain less than 1% in frequency. Many
patients not only see better after this procedure but can stop their
medical drops as well.
