Nick Strouthidis MBBS MD PhD FRCS FRCOphth FRANZCO

Are Glaucoma Eyes At Increased Risk Of Complication During Cataract Surgery?

Cataract surgery in glaucoma eyes, particularly eyes that have previously undergone glaucoma surgery, can be much more difficult and prone to complication than routine cataract surgeries.

The following situations are more commonly encountered in glaucoma cases:

• Very big eyes

• Very small eyes

• Shallow anterior chambers (as seen in angle closure)

• Weak supporting zonules (as seen in pseudoexfoliation),

• Small pupils (as seen in pseudoexfoliation or following the long-term use of pilocarpine),

• Low IOP

• High IOP

All of these circumstances may lead to an increased likelihood of intraoperative complication.

Often cataract surgery in glaucoma patients will take longer than normal, as additional manipulations and care has to be taken to prevent complication and to ensure the optimal outcome. An experienced glaucoma surgeon will be used to operating on such eyes routinely and will be able to anticipate any potential problems.