- 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.
