INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS ON FLOMAX
WHO ARE CONSIDERING CATARACT SURGERY

INTRAOPERATIVE FLOPPY IRIS SYNDROME (IFIS)

Flomax works on certain receptors in the prostate gland. Unfortunately, the iris (colored part of the eye) contains the same receptors. So many patients taking Flomax experience an abnormally functioning iris that leads to a floppy, billowing iris and poor dilation or maintenance of dilation during cataract surgery. This effect persists whether a patient is currently taking Flomax or took it months even years ago and has presently stopped. Sometimes we can tell in the office if Flomax is affecting the iris but many times it does not declare itself until the surgery is underway.

The iris needs to stay well-dilated during cataract surgery to maintain an adequate view of the cataract for the surgeon. In addition, a floppy, billowing iris can cause it to protrude through the surgical incision. If any of these things happen unexpectedly during surgery, additional complications can occur resulting in longer surgery, extra steps during the surgery, longer healing and a possibility of decreased final vision. There is current medical literature that shows a statistically higher rate of surgical complications in Flomax eyes when the surgeon does not anticipate a problem from the Flomax in advance.

For that reason, for all patients on Flomax Dr. Shechter takes extra preventative measures at the start of surgery to ensure the above things do not suddenly occur. Planning in advance is the key to successful surgery on these eyes. Before the cataract is dissolved with ultrasound, the iris is stabilized with temporary hooks that enlarge and stretch it into a square and prevent its movement during the surgery.

The hooks are removed at the completion of the procedure. Placement of the iris hooks can add 5 or 10 minutes to the surgery. Afterwards, the pupil may remain slightly irregular or larger postoperatively. This can sometimes cause slight increased sensitivity to light especially bright light. In addition, the extra steps can cause a slight delay in healing. All of these things are unlikely but possible. However, the benefit of preventing a problem from the Flomax outweighs the low risk of problems from the iris hooks.

Cataract Surgery

Introduction

What is a Cataract?

Symptoms of Cataracts

How is the Cataract Diagnosed

Prior to the Operation

Intraocular Lenses

Small Incision Surgery

Phacoemulsification

Posterior Capsulotomy

Complications

After Cataract Surgery