Commonly Asked Questions:
Turner Eye Institute performs LASIK and cataract surgeries on patients in San Jose, San Francisco, Concord, and San Leandro. Our patients in fact come from all over Northern California and the San Francisco Bay Area. Many of these patients are taking medications for conditions not related to their eyes. These medications can affect the eyes or surgery on the eyes.
Are you taking Flomax?
If so, make your eye doctor aware of this at your eye appointment. Flomax has been associated with increased difficulty during cataract surgery and requires extra preparation to improve the chance of a good outcome. Tell your doctor you take Flomax.
When should I consider cataract surgery?
At first when you experience symptoms such as blurred vision or difficulty in low lighting, you may be able to improve your vision for a while using new glasses, stronger bifocals, magnification, appropriate lighting or other visual aids. Your eye doctor will be able to assist you with these devices.
Consider surgery when your cataracts have progressed enough to impair your vision to a point where it affects your daily life. Cataract surgery is generally safe and effective but it is not without possible complications. Your eye surgeon can help you decide when it is best to remove the cataracts.
What is an Intraocular Lens Implant?
It is an artificial replacement for the lens of the eye. There are many types of Intraocular Lens Implants (IOLs). Some can help you see both distance and near. Ask your eye doctor about the possibility of upgrading to a newer technology and reducing the need for reading glasses following cataract surgery.
Am I a good candidate for an Intraocular Lens Implant?
If your symptoms are impairing your vision and affecting your daily life, it might be time to talk to your eye care professional.
What is Flomax?
Flomax – tamsulosin (tam soo LOW sin)
Flomax is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate).
Flomax is in a class of drugs called alpha-adrenergic blockers. Flomax causes the blood vessels (veins and arteries) to relax and expand, so that blood passes through them more easily. This effect relaxes the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, making it easier to urinate.
Flomax may also be used for purposes as well.
What is the most important information I should know about Flomax? Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Flomax may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.
Dizziness is most likely to occur at the start of therapy and when rising from a sitting or lying position. Use caution and rise slowly to avoid falling.
Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase dizziness caused by Flomax.
Do not crush, chew, or open the capsules. Swallow them whole.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Flomax?
Before taking Flomax, tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions or if you take any other medications. You may not be able to take Flomax, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.
How should I take Flomax? Take Flomax exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each dose with a full glass of water.
Do not crush, chew, or open the capsules. Swallow them whole.
Flomax is usually taken once a day, approximately one-half hour after the same meal each day. Follow your doctor’s instructions.
If dizziness occurs, taking Flomax after the evening meal may be helpful.
It is important to take Flomax regularly to get the most benefit.
If treatment with Flomax is missed or stopped for several days in a row, contact your healthcare provider before restarting the medication. A lower dose may be necessary.
Your doctor may want you to have blood tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with Flomax to monitor progress and side effects.
Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of the medication. If treatment with Flomax is missed or stopped for several days in a row, contact your healthcare provider before restarting the medication. A lower dose may be necessary.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
Symptoms of a Flomax overdose include weakness; dizziness; fainting; a weak, fast pulse; cold, clammy skin; and, possibly, loss of consciousness or coma.
What should I avoid while taking Flomax?
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Flomax may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.
Dizziness is most likely to occur at the start of therapy and when rising from a sitting or lying position. Use caution and rise slowly to avoid falling.
Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase dizziness caused by Flomax.
What are the possible side effects of Flomax?
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Flomax and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing;
closing of the throat;
swelling of the lips, tongue, or face;
hives);
a prolonged (4 hours or more) or painful erection;
severe dizziness;
fainting
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Flomax and notify your doctor if you experience
mild dizziness or drowsiness,
weakness,
double vision,
abnormal ejaculation, or
changes in libido.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect Flomax?
Before taking Flomax, talk to your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
erazosin (Hytrin),
prazosin (Minipress),
doxazosin (Cardura),
cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB), or
warfarin (Coumadin).
You may not be able to take Flomax, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Flomax. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.