Cataracts and Glaucoma

@jules359
According to Mayo Clinic cataract surgery can be a risk for glaucoma.

I was diagnosed with glaucoma before Cataracts and after my Cataract surgery my interocular pressure went down and I no longer had to use eye drops and my pressure has been fine since.
Good luck,
Jake

Thanks for sharing your experience Jake. I have both cataracts and Fuch’s dystrophy. Both blur vision but each on on its own is not severe but together are close to stoping me from passing my drivers licence. I have to get either both issues fixed or can have just the cataracts done.so don’t want to introduce glaucoma as well if I have my cataracts done.

Help! My Opthamologist informs elevated inner ocular pressure implies that I must use daily eye drops to prevent glaucoma. So I am currently using Lumigan 0.01% eye drops every night; one drop per eye.
Trouble is, all such eye drops can have terrible side effects which can cause blindness and worse. Also, the preservative used in this one can cause additional problems.

Previously he prescribed Alphagan P, am and pm, which caused double vision, according to Mayo Clinic’s list of common side effects for that drug. Unfortunately the Opthamologist did not believe that, but he provided the new RX for the Lumigan. Every time I see him he reminds me I have cataracts and he wants to do this surgery and also a different surgery for eye pressure. Such surgery might endanger my retinas, both of which have had a laser-repaired retinal tear. I also have Fuch’s corneal distrophy (spelling?) which may be related to MGUS.

Sorry if all this is too much information!

All of these eye conditions make me feel vulnerable and I’m asking for any advice which comes to mind, especially for SAFE eye drop recommendations for elevated eye pressure. (My pressures have been 21-27.) Thank you!

Hello from Canada. I am not familiar with Fuich's but have had chronic dry eyes for over 20 years. Over 10 yrs ago had laser to left eye then right a year later but Ophthalmologist who did the laser never sent copies of reports to my family doctor... I only found copies when requested copy of my file. About 2 yrs ago new Optometrist didn't tell me my eye pressure was climbing until I saw her colleague and sent to Eye Hospital with diagnosis of narrow angle glaucoma... and warning not to take any medications that would raise eye pressure... I haven't felt the same since and refuse to take meds that can increase eye pressure as scared to lose vision as where I live no 24/7 eye help if have issues. Two things; I have been warned by local Optometrist that cataract surgery is in my future, i am 79.... oh I forgot, I also had Iridotomy 2 yrs ago, where they laser a hole/s into each eye to relieve pressure if it builds up.....however, because I was on glaucoma drops before this laser surgery I have to stay on-the drops... which is too bad. If I had not been on drops before Iridotomy I would not then have to go on drops... Anyway, the glaucoma drops I am on is called Latanoprost here but I buy the type with no preservatives in and it is called Monoprost: single use. I agree, ALL glaucoma drops have side effects and I really don't like using them either but also want to keep my vision! I am dreading having cataract surgery. I also have dry eye drops and even those have side effects. I think I read some dry eye drops just recalled in USA as have bacteria in??? SAme happened here in Canada, worry after worry.... I buy the single use, no preservative ones..... its the least I can do although costs more. Not sure if pressure is measured same there but mine is around 18 - 19, whereas specialist in Toronto wanted it at 14-14. It's such a worry isn't it? To my own knowledge I know of no Glaucoma drops or any other eye drops or medications that don't have side effects.... even some can cause depression! I do have depression and anxiety but refusing any more meds that increase eye pressure as some on now do!! and am criticized for that decision... but to be in our shoes what would they do?

Hi just found out I have to have cataract surgery and also have glaucoma.cannot tolerate any eye drops due to extremer edness,itching,tearing,burning,swelling.was lasered 4 times but my pressures are worse so one last time with Timolol but same problems wiith med.Very frightening.

@marsha46
Regarding burning is concerned use an eye without preservatives. If my eyes burned closing them helped me.
My eyedrops burned too but the alternative was unthinkable.
After my Cataract surgery my pressures returned to normal.
Jake

My IOP went down after my cataract surgery. I still have to use Latanaprost drops every night. And boy do they ever burn. So I give my eyes a little vacation from them every Sunday night.

I've also found that if I use my Systane Hydration eye drops an hour before and an hour after using the Latanaprost, it reduces the burning. Doctor said it was fine to do this.

....the inserts of information in with Glaucoma drops lists all the side effects in eyes and also the side effects in our bodies; but what choice do we have? Ingredients all seem to be chemicals... even dry eye drops, i put some on my arm and 2 hours late the skin was "raised" not red but still can see the outline of where I put those drops! Our poor eyeballs! Lately mine red sore burning and puffy and cannot see my top eyelashes, but 79 so area is "old" ... just wish they didn't sting ..... but, keeping our vision hasn't been a rose garden by any means but one of my worse fears losing it as am sure is for most people.... marsha46 you had Iridotomies 4 times? J.

yes have had iridotomies 4 times,referred to see a specialist in both glaucoma and cataracts.my eyes are also 76 yrs. old with all the same problems with drops,happy to talk to someone who understands.