CATARACT AND GLAUCOMA
AT V. E. MEDICAL ORANGE GROVE PLAZA
Understanding the Key Differences
Why They Are Often Confused?
Because both conditions affect older adults and can co-exist, they are frequently mentioned together. However, they are completely separate diseases.
To arrange a initial consultation and treatment advise
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CATARACT
- Cataracts affects quality of vision , making everything look hazy or dull.
- Cataract is a gradual cloudiness of the lens in the eye.
- Cataract… the lens is removed and an intraocular lens inserted to restore vision
- Cataract ..is not normally hereditary
- Cataract.. .a patient notices the onset of vision loss.
CATARACT SYMPTOMS
- Cloudy or blurred vision
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Sensitivity to light and glare
- Seeing halos around lights
- Faded colours
- Frequent changes in glasses prescription
GLAUCOMA
- Glaucoma affects quantity of vision , permanently wiping out areas of the visual field—often starting at the edges
- Glaucoma is a buildup of pressure in the eye which destroys the optic nerve
- Glaucoma cannot be cured. With early diagnosis of glaucoma, preventative measures can be taken to stop the disease developing, to keep vision for as long as possible
GLAUCOMA SYMPTOMS
- Gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision
- Blurred or narrowed vision (especially in later stages)
- Halos around lights
- Eye pain or pressure (especially in angle-closure glaucoma)
- Redness or discomfort in the eyes
- Headaches or nausea (with sudden pressure spikes)
In many cases, glaucoma symptoms may not be noticeable in the early stages, which is why regular eye exams are crucial—particularly for those over 40 or with a family history of glaucoma.
CATARACT AND GLAUCOMA
AT V. E. MEDICAL ORANGE GROVE PLAZA
VISION EXPRESS / V.E. MEDICAL have a Team of eight experienced, and fully trained Optometrists.
The early symptoms of a cloudy lens (cataract) are usually diagnosed during a routine annual eye examination.
Once a Cataract is diagnosed the patient has the choice to arrange Cataract Surgery to fit into their life and their finances.
MANY PEOPLE IN THEIR 40’s AMD 50’s, ARE NOW OPTING TO DO PRE-CATARACT SURGERY, KNOWN AS “REFLECTIVE LENS EXCHANGE”
BASICALLY, A NEW IOL IS IMPLANTED AND QUITE OFTEN THIS CAN RESULT IN GLASSES NO LONGER BEING NEEDED,
WITH CATARACT or REFRACTIVE LENS EXCHANGE SURGERY, THERE ARE VARIOUS OPTIONS FOR A REPLACEMENT LENSES. (IOL)
- Distance IOL so reading glasses are still needed
- Distance IOL one eye and reading IOL the second eye
- Progressive IOLS in both eyes which can be used for distance and reading
GLAUCOMA
The most important consideration with glaucoma is EARLY DIAGNOSIS.
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, due to abnormally high pressure inside the eye. It is a leading cause of blindness.
It progresses slowly and painlessly.
Routine eye exams are essential for early detection, and to prevent permanent vision loss.
Risk factors
Be aware of these risk factors:
- High internal eye pressure, also known as intraocular pressure.
- Age over 40.
- Black, Asian or Hispanic heritage.
- Family history of glaucoma.
- Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, migraine, high blood pressure and sickle cell anemia.
- Corneas that are thin in the center.
- Extreme nearsightedness or farsightedness.
- Eye injury or certain types of eye surgery.
- Taking corticosteroid medicines, especially eye drops, for a long time.
Treatment & Management
- Medicated eye drops: Help decrease the production of eye fluid or improve its outflow.
- Laser therapy: Improves fluid drainage or relieves pressure blockages.
EYE MEDICATIONS FOR GLAUCOMA – ONE DROP PER DAY…
SHOULD NEVER BE MISSED
Glaucoma medications available at V E Medical Pharmacy at Orange Grove
GLAUCOMA SURGERY
NOW AVAILABLE at VE MEDICAL SURGERY CENTRE,
ORANGE GROVE, PLAZA, ST. LUCIA
V. E.MEDICAL SURGERY TEAM ….ARE ONE OF THE FIRST IN THE CARIBBEAN TO SUCCESSFULLY INTRODUCE.A NEW GLAUCOMA SURGERY WITH GOOD RESULTS.
PRESERFLO MICROSHUNT
For patients who require GLAUCOMA SURGERY, finding a treatment that provides highly effective eye pressure reduction with a low risk of complications has been challenging.
PRESERFLO MicroShunt, is a tiny, soft, flexible stent that helps the eye drain excess fluid, and can help lower eye pressure and prevent further vision loss.
PRESERFLO MicroShunt will NOT restore vision already lost to glaucoma.
PRESERFLO VIDEO
Will a patient still need to use eye drops for glaucoma, after the Preserflo Microshunt operation?
The ophthalmologist will usually ask to stop all current glaucoma drops after surgery, for the eye having the surgery.
Some patients will be able to stay off glaucoma eye drops for many years.
Other patients, may need to be started back on glaucoma eye drops, at some point after the operation.
Continuing the usual glaucoma eye drops to the eye NOT having surgery is necessary.
New eyedrops will be prescribed after the eye surgery.
Cataract Surgery & Glaucoma Combined Procedures at V. E Medical
Combining cataract and glaucoma surgery removes both a cloudy cataract lens and reduces high eye pressure in a single, efficient operation.
How the Procedure Works
- Cataract Removal: The cloudy natural lens is removed using Phaco procedure , and a new IOL implanted
- Glaucoma Management: Through the same micro-incision, the surgeon lowers intraocular pressure by implanting a Preserflo Microshunt.
Why Choose a Combined Surgery at VE Medical.
- Dual Benefit: gaining the clarity of a new artificial lens while simultaneously protecting the optic nerve from glaucoma progression.
- Reduced Medication: Many patients rely on fewer (or zero) daily glaucoma eye drops after the combined procedure.
- Streamlined Recovery: Going under the knife once means a single surgical downtime period instead of recovering from two separate operations.