Have Glaucoma and Cataracts? You May Not Have to Choose Between Treating One or the Other

Sponsored - The following content is created on behalf of Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates and does not reflect the opinions of Gray Media or its editorial staff. To learn more about Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates, visit ceenta.com.

Cataracts and glaucoma are two of the most common eye conditions affecting older adults. It’s also common for patients to have both at the same time, leading many to wonder whether cataract surgery is still an option if they have glaucoma.

According to CEENTA’s eye surgeons, the answer is often yes. In fact, some patients may benefit from treating both conditions during the same procedure.

Understanding the Difference Between Cataracts and Glaucoma

While both conditions affect vision, they impact the eye in very different ways.

A cataract occurs when the eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy, making vision appear blurry or foggy. Cataracts can often be successfully treated through surgery, which replaces the cloudy lens with a clear artificial one.

Glaucoma, on the other hand, is a disease that damages the optic nerve, often due to increased eye pressure. Unlike cataracts, glaucoma-related vision loss cannot be reversed, making early treatment and pressure control especially important.

Can You Still Have Cataract Surgery If You Have Glaucoma?

For most patients, glaucoma does not prevent cataract surgery.

According to Veena Rao, MD, a cataract and glaucoma surgeon at CEENTA Matthews and Monroe:

“For most people, glaucoma does not have to be a major consideration in your decision of whether and when to have cataract surgery.”

Specialists say many glaucoma patients undergo successful cataract surgery and often experience significant improvements in visual clarity afterward.

An Added Benefit: Cataract Surgery May Lower Eye Pressure

In some cases, cataract surgery can help reduce intraocular pressure.

Research has shown that removing the cataract may create modest reductions in eye pressure for certain glaucoma patients, potentially decreasing reliance on glaucoma medications.

While every case is different, specialists often consider this potential benefit when developing a treatment plan.

Can Cataract Surgery and Glaucoma Treatment Be Performed Together?

For some patients, yes.

Modern techniques allow ophthalmologists to combine cataract surgery with certain glaucoma procedures, including minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries (MIGS). These procedures can help lower eye pressure while addressing the cataract during the same operation.

Combined procedures may be recommended for patients who:

• Have mild to moderate glaucoma
• Need better eye pressure control
• Hope to reduce the number of glaucoma medications they use daily

The decision depends on factors such as disease severity, overall eye health, medication tolerance, and lifestyle needs.

Why Experience Matters

Glaucoma patients require special consideration before and after cataract surgery.

Eye pressure can sometimes rise temporarily after surgery, and certain glaucoma conditions may make surgery more complex. Specialists say having a surgeon experienced in both cataract and glaucoma care can help ensure the safest and most effective treatment plan.

Expert Cataract and Glaucoma Care Close to Home

At CEENTA, board-certified ophthalmologists diagnose and treat both cataracts and glaucoma, offering personalized treatment plans based on each patient’s specific needs. For patients with both conditions, specialists can evaluate whether cataract surgery alone or a combined cataract and glaucoma procedure may provide the best outcome.

If cloudy vision from cataracts is affecting your daily life, don’t assume glaucoma automatically limits your options.

Schedule a consultation online with a CEENTA eye surgeon to learn which treatment approach may be right for you.

This article is for informational purposes only as sponsored content. For specific medical questions, please consult your doctor.