ABSTRACT
The coexistence of glaucoma and a visually significant cataract is commonly encountered in an ophthalmologic practice. The management and decision-making process for these conditions as separate entities is fairly straightforward. Cataract surgery is considered when a cataract becomes visually significant. The surgeon apprises the patient of any specific risks, and a decision to proceed with or delay surgery is made. Management of glaucoma has many options, depending on the particular type of glaucoma and the techniques available to the individual ophthalmologist. The options include medications alone, argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT), selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT), peripheral iridotomy, and trabeculectomy. Regardless of the method selected, glaucoma treatment will affect any future cataract surgery, and this should be factored into the decision-making process.
