Management of Concomitant Cataract and Glaucoma

Abstract

The coexistence of cataract and glaucoma represents a challenge for the ophthalmologist and the issue is still open to debate. The surgical management is based on both the visual field defect and the loss of visual acuity. The surgical options currently available are: (1) cataract extraction alone, (2) sequential glaucoma surgery and cataract extraction, and (3) combined surgery by 1 site or by 2 separate sites. Phacoemulsification alone is suggested when glaucoma can be controlled by medication and the visual field defect is moderate and nonprogressive. In case of a refractory glaucoma (3 or more types of medication required) with associated early-stage cataract, phacoemulsification could be postponed until after glaucoma surgery. The cataractogenous effect of the procedure should be considered in this situation. Moreover, cataract extraction performed after a filtering surgery may lead to a reduction of the bleb function. When both glaucoma and cataract are sight impairing, combined surgery is indicated since it allows a greater intraocular pressure decrease than phacoemulsification alone.