Can You Treat Cataracts and Glaucoma at the Same Time?

As we get older, our chances of experiencing vision loss begin to increase exponentially. For many people, the question is not when their vision will deteriorate, but what will cause it. 

Glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and presbyopia are all common conditions among seniors, and maintaining your sight often means treating more than one at a time. So, what’s the plan for cataracts and glaucoma? 

At Ventura Eye Institute in Camarillo, California, our professional team of eye care specialists can treat cataracts and glaucoma at the same time using a revolutionary eye treatment. 

Cataracts vs. glaucoma

To effectively treat cataracts and glaucoma together, you have to understand both diseases separately.

Cataracts

A cataract develops when proteins and fibers in the lens of your eye begin to break down, often due to age. The lens of your eye is responsible for focusing light back into the retina, helping your eye create a sharp image. 

As the lens slowly grows opaque, vision through the eye can become blurry, yellowed, dim, or lost entirely. 

There is only one treatment for cataracts, but it only needs to be done once, and the results are permanent. During cataract surgery, your original lens is removed and replaced with an intraocular lens (IOL). These will not cloud over, and opting for a premium IOL can improve your vision even further. 

Glaucoma

While cataracts are easily diagnosed and cured, glaucoma is silent and dangerous. Glaucoma is caused by high intraocular pressure (IOP) within the eye. This pressure damages your optic nerve, which sends signals back to the brain.

There is no way to stop glaucoma, only slow its progress. The symptoms are invisible, and any vision loss caused by glaucoma cannot be undone. 

While this sounds frightening, you do have options when it comes to glaucoma treatment. The important part is getting diagnosed as soon as possible. If you’re over 40 or at risk of developing glaucoma, you should undergo a comprehensive eye exam once every year. 

Treatment for glaucoma often involves the use of eye drops, medications, and even surgery. However, if you have both glaucoma and cataracts, you might be a candidate for another solution. 

Tackling them in tandem 

iStent inject® is a remarkably small implant that can slow down the progression of glaucoma. In the same way a surgical stent supports arteries or other passageways, the iStent opens a channel within your eye. 

It’s one hundred times smaller than a penny, and can be implanted during cataract surgery. Once placed, the stent regulates pressure within your eye. By lowering the IOP within your eye, it prevents further damage to your optic nerve, preserving your vision. 

To learn more about iStent inject and find out if you’re a candidate for treatment, schedule a consultation with the team at Ventura Eye Institute. You can schedule an appointment by calling 805-388-1211, or book online.