Our Summary

This research paper discusses the impact of cataract surgery on the treatment of glaucoma. Glaucoma is a major cause of blindness and is predicted to affect nearly 80 million people globally by 2020. Meanwhile, cataract surgery is the most frequently performed eye surgery and is expected to be needed by over 30 million people by 2020, which is a 50% increase from the year 2000. Both cataract and glaucoma are more common in older people and often occur together. The research explores how cataract surgery may influence the management of glaucoma in different groups of patients.

FAQs

  1. How many people worldwide are estimated to be affected by glaucoma?
  2. What is the most commonly performed ophthalmic surgery?
  3. How does cataract surgery affect glaucoma treatment in various patient populations?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about glaucoma surgery is to closely follow post-operative instructions, including using prescribed eye drops and attending follow-up appointments. It is important to monitor your eye pressure and report any changes or worsening symptoms to your doctor promptly. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, can help support overall eye health and potentially reduce the risk of complications following glaucoma surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended glaucoma surgery include those who have failed to adequately control their intraocular pressure (IOP) with medications or laser treatment, those who have progressive visual field loss despite medication treatment, those with advanced glaucoma and significant optic nerve damage, and those who have intolerable side effects from glaucoma medications. Additionally, patients with certain types of glaucoma, such as angle-closure glaucoma or secondary glaucoma, may also be recommended for surgery. It is important for patients to discuss all treatment options with their ophthalmologist to determine the best course of action for their individual situation.

Timeline

Before glaucoma surgery:

  • Patient may experience symptoms such as blurry vision, eye pain, headaches, and halos around lights.
  • Patient undergoes a comprehensive eye examination to diagnose glaucoma and determine the severity of the condition.
  • Treatment options such as eye drops, oral medications, and laser therapy may be prescribed to manage intraocular pressure and slow down the progression of the disease.
  • If these treatments are ineffective, surgery may be recommended to improve drainage of fluid in the eye and reduce intraocular pressure.

After glaucoma surgery:

  • Patient may experience some discomfort, redness, and swelling in the eye immediately following surgery.
  • Vision may be blurry or fluctuate in the days and weeks following surgery as the eye heals.
  • Patient will need to follow post-operative care instructions, including using prescribed eye drops, avoiding strenuous activities, and attending follow-up appointments with their ophthalmologist.
  • It may take several weeks to months for the eye to fully heal and for vision to stabilize after surgery.
  • Regular monitoring and follow-up appointments will be necessary to ensure the success of the surgery and to manage any potential complications or changes in intraocular pressure.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What type of glaucoma surgery is recommended for my specific condition?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery?
  3. What is the success rate of the surgery in terms of lowering intraocular pressure and preserving vision?
  4. Will I still need to use glaucoma medications after the surgery?
  5. How long is the recovery period after the surgery?
  6. Are there any lifestyle changes I need to make before or after the surgery?
  7. How often will I need to follow up with you after the surgery?
  8. What are the alternatives to surgery for treating my glaucoma?
  9. How will the surgery affect my overall eye health and vision in the long term?
  10. Can you provide me with any additional resources or information about glaucoma surgery?

Reference

Authors: Ling JD, Bell NP. Journal: Int Ophthalmol Clin. 2018 Summer;58(3):87-100. doi: 10.1097/IIO.0000000000000234. PMID: 29870412