One of the major risk factors for glaucoma is elevated intraocular pressure, or IOP, and lowering IOP is one of the main goals in glaucoma treatments.
In patients who have cataracts as well as glaucoma, it has been believed by doctors that cataract surgery could lower their IOP in open-angle glaucoma (the most common type) slightly and temporarily. That belief, however, is changing, according to The Glaucoma Foundation.
According to recent research, patients with mild to moderate glaucoma and ocular hypertension who undergo Dallas cataract surgery experience a greater and longer-term IOP reduction.
Cataract surgery today typically uses a technique in which a small incision is made in the peripheral cornea, and an ultrasonic probe inserted into the opening breaks the cataract into smaller pieces to be removed. A clear intraocular lens is then implanted.
While it’s not know exactly why the correlation between IOP reduction and moder cataract procedures is occurring, it may be related to the drainage system being cleaned and thus flowing better. Recent studies indicate that the IOP can stay reduced for 1 to 2 years after cataract surgery for patients whose pressure was well-controlled with limited medications before the operation.
If you’re suffering from or believe you may have cataracts or glaucoma, contact Dr Harvey Carter at Carter Eye Center and schedule an appointment today.
