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New Hope for Patients with Cataracts and Glaucoma
 Dr. Mellgren is one of only a few ophthalmologists in southern California who is a cataract surgeon trained in the subspecialty of interventional ophthalmology. Like interventional cardiologists who are trained to use catheter technology to open clogged arteries with angioplasty and stents in the heart, interventional ophthalmologists are eye specialists trained in performing Canaloplasty using similar micro-catheter technology to open and stent the natural filtration canal in the eye (Schlemm’s Canal). This canal controls the natural fluid pressure and filtration inside the eye. If compromised, it may become the root cause of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG).There are a number of options available to glaucoma patients with cataracts, and each situation must be assessed individually. If the cataract does not interfere with the glaucoma patient’s activities significantly then treating the glaucoma and monitoring cataract progression - but not removing the cataract immediately - may be an appropriate plan. Often, the glaucoma can be managed with laser treatment and anti-glaucoma medications. When this is possible, it allows the ophthalmologist to monitor the eye while the cataract worsens.
For patients with mild glaucoma that is stable we might consider surgically removing the cataract and treating the glaucoma with pressure-lowering medications or laser treatments. Cataract surgery alone on an eye with glaucoma will sometimes lower the pressure in the eye.
 For patients with more serious glaucoma and the need for cataract surgery, a combination cataract removal and Canaloplasty procedure can be considered. Both are performed at the same time, forgoing the need to under go two separate operations. For patients using multiple anti-glaucoma medications, a combination procedure may be appropriate. Combination procedures, however, are not for everyone. The decision to perform a combination procedure depends on the number of anti-glaucoma medications used, how mature the cataract is, and the state of the glaucoma.
To hear from patients around the country who have successfully undergone Canaloplasty Click Here for their personal stories. As with any surgery, it is important to discuss the risks and benefits of cataract and combination surgery with your ophthalmologist to determine what is best for you
 www.drsallymellgren.comb
Logo design courtesy of Carol Branch
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