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Performing Cataract Surgery in Unique Clinical Environments

SightMD has been a pioneer in cataract surgery for numerous years. Our eye care practice has cataract surgeons who are certified and skilled in both regular and complex cataract surgeries. We carefully check each patient’s eyes to make sure cataract surgery goes well.

Our board-certified eye surgeons consistently aim to excel in cataract surgery techniques and technology. Here are a few instances of Cataract Surgery in Special Clinical Settings.

Cataract Surgery and Blood Thinners

At SightMD, our doctors frequently receive inquiries about blood-thinning medications in relation to cataract surgery. Some blood thinners, like coumadin, plavix, aspirin, and vitamin E, can increase the chance of bleeding during surgery. These medicines are good for the heart and blood flow because they make the blood thinner. In modern cataract surgery, we don’t use needles, stitches, or eye patches to reduce the risk of bleeding around the eyes.

Make sure to talk to your main doctor before stopping blood thinners to ensure sure it’s safe to do so. If stopping these medications is not safe, our doctors will follow your primary care doctor’s advice. They can also perform cataract surgery on patients who are taking anticoagulants. We are confident in performing cataract surgery on patients who take blood thinners.

Our procedure is minimally invasive and usually does not involve bleeding. The incision is made in the clear cornea, which lacks blood vessels. Consequently, the prevailing view in eye surgery is that discontinuing blood thinners is often unnecessary.

couple doing yoga together

Cataract Surgery and Flomax®

Flomax is the brand name for the medication tamsulosin, commonly used to treat prostate issues in men. This medication assists men who have difficulty urinating because of an enlarged prostate. It works by relaxing the muscles in the prostate gland. This relaxation makes it easier for men to urinate.

“Floppy iris syndrome” is when Flomax® affects the iris during cataract surgery. Flomax can influence the iris’s ability to open and close, leading to pupil constriction. During surgery, if the iris moves, the surgeon may have difficulty removing and replacing the lens below it.

If you are currently using these medications, there is no need to discontinue them as they do not pose a threat to your eyes. Before eye surgery, tell your eye doctor about any medications you are taking now or have taken in the past. Fortunately, the outlook for cataract surgery remains positive as an informed ophthalmologist can take necessary precautions to ensure a successful operation.

Cataract Surgery and Fuchs Dystrophy

Fuchs’ dystrophy weakens the cornea, which is the clear dome over the iris. The cornea is like the eye’s front window. In this genetic condition, the innermost layer of the cornea, known as the endothelium, becomes deficient.

The endothelium’s role is to extract fluid from the cornea to maintain its clarity. When the endothelium malfunctions, the cornea can swell, resulting in a hazy appearance. This cloudiness impairs vision, making it seem as though the patient is looking through a dirty window. In severe cases, a corneal operation may be necessary to replace the damaged endothelium.

A weakened cornea, as seen in Fuchs’ dystrophy, is less resilient during cataract surgery compared to a healthy cornea. This can lead to increased corneal swelling, and in rare instances, corneal failure may occur, necessitating further surgical intervention.

In Fuchs’ dystrophy, our cataract surgeons use viscoelastics gels to save the cornea during surgery. The gels protect the cornea throughout the procedure. These gels protect the cornea during the procedure. Additionally, our eye surgeons employ techniques that minimize ultrasound energy and are gentle on the cornea to ensure minimal disruption during cataract surgery.

Cataract Surgery and Pseudoexfoliation

Pseudoexfoliation is when dandruff-like material builds up on the eye’s lens, causing an eye condition. This presentation can vary from subtle to quite noticeable. While pseudoexfoliation material has been identified in various parts of the body, its significance is primarily understood in relation to eye pathology.

A cataract refers to the clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which is held in place by connective tissue strands known as zonules. These zonules provide crucial support for the lens during cataract surgery. However, in cases of pseudoexfoliation, the zonular apparatus can be weakened, leading to potential instability of the lens.

In severe instances, the lens may dislocate during surgery, necessitating a follow-up procedure to retrieve it. Our team of board-certified cataract surgeons specializes in challenging cases like those involving patients with pseudoexfoliation.

During these surgeries, we use special tools like iris hooks or rings to see better and gentle techniques to reduce strain on weakened zonules. Despite the complexity of such cases, our surgical procedures typically proceed smoothly with minimal complications.

New technology in cataract surgery allows SightMD surgeons to offer the safest and most efficient treatment for cataracts. Contact SightMD now to schedule an appointment with a doctor to discuss your vision health at a convenient location.