Cataract surgery and glaucoma

Gianmarco Vizzeri, Robert N. Weinreb

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

80 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose of review To summarize the recent advances in the management of patients with coexisting cataract and glaucoma. Recent findings Although some evidence suggests that cataract surgery may be useful in the clinical management of eyes with angle closure glaucoma, recent studies show that the decrease in intraocular pressure (IOP) following cataract surgery alone in eyes with open angle glaucoma may be limited and transient. Combining cataract surgery with a trabeculectomy remains the preferred option. However, when IOP lowering is indicated, newer surgical techniques to lower IOP to be performed along with cataract extraction offer a promising alternative in patients with uncontrolled glaucoma and a visually significant cataract. Summary Cataract surgery alone or combined with trabeculectomy should be considered in the treatment of angle closure glaucoma. However, in eyes with open angle glaucoma, cataract surgery alone may be of limited clinical benefit in lowering IOP. Surgical alternatives to be combined with cataract extraction may be utilized to achieve a more significant IOP reduction. The appropriate treatment should be tailored based on patient's characteristics and the target IOP to be achieved.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)20-24
Number of pages5
JournalCurrent Opinion in Ophthalmology
Volume21
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2010
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Ab-interno trabeculotomy
  • Intraocular pressure
  • Open angle and angle closure glaucoma
  • Phacoemulsification
  • Trabeculectomy

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Ophthalmology

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