Monday, December 17, 2018

What to do when you have glaucoma and cataract together?

Both glaucoma and cataract are chronic diseases related to the eye which if not treated on time can lead to permanent visual impairment. It is possible that a patient can have both the problems at the same time and in such cases, special medical treatment is required. A large number of patients opting for opting Glaucoma eye treatment In India have also been found to be suffering from cataract. Cataract can either naturally occur with glaucoma or may be a result of it. Certain treatments associated with glaucoma can also increase your vulnerability to developing a cataract. If you are experiencing the symptoms of both the problems, it is better to consult the best ophthalmologist in India. It is very important to understand the difference between both the problems and how they can affect our eyes as well as the various treatment options. It is very easy to avail for the treatment in India as cataract and glaucoma surgery cost In India is comparatively cheaper than other countries.

As far as cataract is concerned, it is marked by the formation of a cloud-like layer on the surface of the lens of either one or both eyes simultaneously. If left untreated it can lead to partial or total blindness. In the initial stages, a cataract can lead to the blurring of vision and discomfort. Glaucoma, on the other hand, is caused by severe damage to the optic nerve caused by an increase in the intraocular pressure. The problem can cause permanent damage to the patient's eyes and lead to complete blindness. Both the problems are treated is different ways however if you have been diagnosed with both the problems at the same time, you might require special medical treatment. You can easily find well trained and efficient cataract and glaucoma surgeons in India. The surgery for treating glaucoma can be performed right after the cataract has been removed. This proves to be very helpful as the patient does not need to depend upon eye drops or other treatments to improve the pressure build up in the eyes after the surgery. The various technological developments taking place in the field of ophthalmology have led to the advent of new procedures like glaucoma laser surgery that have helped to give more accurate and precise results.

There are a large number of glaucoma surgeries that can be performed along with cataract removal. These include trabeculectomy, canaloplasty, endocyclophotocoagulation and other minimally invasive techniques. Glaucoma drainage device may also be used to decrease the intraocular pressure in the eye. Minimally invasive techniques prove to be very helpful in such cases as the doctors can perform the procedure via the same incision through which cataract removal was done. However, the surgery is not as effective in bringing down the intraocular pressure.

In some cases the cataract removal surgery may be performed along with lens replacement which can help to open the drainage angle, thereby decreasing the intraocular pressure.
The type of treatment to be undertaken is decided by a specialised doctor or a team of doctors who come to the final conclusion only after making all the necessary calculations and keeping the medical history of the patient in mind. A number of screenings and tests may also be conducted to determine the adversity of the problem and come up with the best possible treatment. 

It should also be kept in mind that cataract removal surgery can lead to a number of complications if performed along with glaucoma surgery. For instance, if the patient is suffering from exfoliation glaucoma, there are higher risks associated with the surgery due to inherent weakness. It may be challenging to treat a patient suffering from both the problems but it is possible and hence it is advisable to choose your doctor wisely. 

No comments:

Post a Comment