Eyenet
How do you normally treat glaucoma patients? Drops? Laser or scalpel surgery? According to Richard L. Lindstrom, MD, cataract extraction may be the appropriate procedure for most patients with combined cataract and glaucoma.
.......The researchers found that:
The higher the IOP at surgery, the greater the IOP reduction after surgery.
Age did not affect the magnitude of the IOP reduction.
74 percent of eyes with an IOP 20 mmHg converted to normotensive eyes (IOP 19mmHg) after surgery for the 10 years of the study.
77 percent of these eyes diagnosed with glaucoma had IOP 19mmHg after surgery for the 10 years of the study.
Pressure reductions achieved at one year were sustained for 10 years in all patient groups.
Dr. Lindstrom hypothesizes that age-related lens changes are a major cause of ocular hypertension, and eventually of glaucoma. Lens removal thus improves ocular outflow and reduces IOP. In advanced glaucoma, phaco/IOL surgery alone might be insufficient, and these patients with severe glaucoma damage or very high pressures may still do best with a combined procedure, he added.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
The condition is very rare and causes a rapid loss of vision if not treated immediately. Glaucoma is common in the general population. There is literature available and community resources such as support groups and the Lighthouse for the Blind.
Post a Comment