Our Summary

This study looked at the outcomes of cataract surgery in patients with and without glaucoma, a condition that damages the optic nerve. The results showed that patients with glaucoma were more likely to experience complications during and after cataract surgery, including tears in the back of the eye, inflammation, increased eye pressure and the need for additional surgery within a month. Despite these risks, the study found that cataract surgery still significantly improved vision and quality of life for patients with glaucoma, although the improvements were smaller than for patients without glaucoma. In terms of visual clarity after the surgery, more patients without glaucoma achieved 20/40 vision or better compared to those with glaucoma. The study concludes that while cataract surgery can be beneficial for glaucoma patients, more research is needed to understand the factors that can affect the surgery’s outcomes.

FAQs

  1. Do patients with glaucoma have a higher risk of complications during and after cataract surgery?
  2. Does cataract surgery still improve vision and quality of life for patients with glaucoma?
  3. Is the visual clarity after cataract surgery better for patients without glaucoma compared to those with the condition?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about ocular surgery is to closely follow all pre-operative and post-operative instructions provided by the surgeon. This can include things like properly administering eye drops, avoiding strenuous activities, and attending all follow-up appointments. Following these instructions can help ensure a successful surgery and optimal recovery. Additionally, it’s important to communicate any concerns or changes in vision to your doctor immediately.

Suitable For

Patients who may be recommended for ocular surgery include those with:

  • Cataracts
  • Glaucoma
  • Macular degeneration
  • Retinal detachment
  • Corneal diseases
  • Diabetic retinopathy
  • Ptosis (drooping eyelids)
  • Strabismus (misaligned eyes)
  • Refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism) that cannot be corrected with glasses or contact lenses

It is important for patients to consult with their ophthalmologist to determine if ocular surgery is the best treatment option for their specific condition.

Timeline

Before ocular surgery, a patient typically undergoes a comprehensive eye exam to determine the need for surgery and assess their overall eye health. They may also meet with the surgeon to discuss the procedure, potential risks and benefits, and post-operative expectations.

On the day of surgery, the patient will receive pre-operative instructions and may need to fast before the procedure. The surgery itself can vary depending on the type of ocular surgery being performed, but generally involves local anesthesia and takes about an hour to complete.

After surgery, the patient may experience some discomfort, redness, and blurred vision. They will be given post-operative instructions on how to care for their eyes, including using prescribed eye drops and avoiding certain activities.

In the days and weeks following surgery, the patient will have follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor their healing and vision improvement. It may take several weeks for the full effects of the surgery to be realized, and the patient may need to wear a protective eye shield at night to prevent accidental rubbing or pressure on the eye.

Overall, the patient should experience improved vision and quality of life after ocular surgery, although it may take some time for the full benefits to be realized. It is important for the patient to follow their surgeon’s instructions carefully to ensure a successful recovery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with ocular surgery?

  2. What is the success rate of the surgery for patients with my specific eye condition?

  3. How long is the recovery process and what can I expect in terms of post-operative care?

  4. What are the potential long-term effects of the surgery on my vision and eye health?

  5. Are there any alternative treatment options that I should consider before proceeding with surgery?

  6. Will I need any additional procedures or treatments after the surgery?

  7. What is the experience and success rate of the surgeon performing the procedure?

  8. How soon after the surgery can I expect to see improvements in my vision?

  9. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take before or after the surgery?

  10. How often will I need follow-up appointments to monitor my progress and eye health after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Turalba A, Payal AR, Gonzalez-Gonzalez LA, Cakiner-Egilmez T, Chomsky AS, Vollman DE, Baze EF, Lawrence M, Daly MK. Journal: Am J Ophthalmol. 2015 Oct;160(4):693-701.e1. doi: 10.1016/j.ajo.2015.07.020. Epub 2015 Jul 22. PMID: 26210863