Flomax and Cataract Surgery
A recent article in the American Academy of Ophthalmology related the following story:
San Francisco - The most commonly prescribed prostate drug may cause complications in cataract surgery. A recently published study examined the incidence of Intraoperative Floppy Iris Syndrome (IFIS) in cataract surgery practices.
While Flomax does not affect vision or eye health, it does blocks the dilator muscle in the iris. Becuase the pupils need ot be dilated, during cataract surgery this can be a problem.
Following the announcement of the study, ophthalmologists were asked to track the incidence of IFIS in cataract patients on Flomax and other prostate drugs, and send reports on verified cases to the Federal Drug Administration. The FDA responded to the doctors concerns and approved a label change for the drugs that reads “The patient’s ophthalmologist should be prepared for possible modifications to their surgical technique.” The Academy has notified its members of the FDA label change regarding the Flomax/IFIS link, and recommended that they thoroughly question their male cataract patients about prostate medications prior to surgery. Other prostate drugs in this class include Hytrin, Cardura, and Uroxatral.
In addition to having a pupil that dilates poorly, a patient with IFIS will have an iris that behaves erratically during cataract surgery. It will tend to be floppy and the pupil may suddenly constrict during the middle of surgery. This increases the risk of having surgical complications. .
It is suggested that cataract surgeons inquire specifically about prior use of Flomax as IFIS can occur several years after the drug has been discontinued.
While it is not necessary to stop the use of Flomax, patients should inform their ophthalmologist if they are taking the drug, or any type of prostate medication prior to having eye surgery.
While Flomax is an effective drug for treating the symptoms of an enlarged prostate, and patients advised by their physician to take it should certainly continue, prior to cataract surgery, these patients absolutely need to inform their eye surgeon that they are, or have taken prostate drugs.
Warning the cataract surgeon that a patient is taking Flomax allows the cataract surgeon to anticipate the need for special measures during cataract surgery.
