Cataract Surgery at age 72 and with Pseudoexfoliation

[rybn]

Dear Doctor,
I am 72 Years old male. The eye doctor keeps telling me for the last 20 years that I have cataract and (for the last 6 years) I also have pseudoexfoliation (PXE). He "drilled" holes in my iris (with a green laser) to prevent a sudden dangerous high pressure in the eyes. My IOP is only 14mmHg. I don't have any signs of glaucoma.
I have no symptoms of the cataract. I can drive and see everything during days and nights. I use glasses only for reading. But my doctor urges me to have the cataract surgery as soon as possible because of the PXE. He says that the lens becomes harder and the zonules can break while attempting to remove the lens. If this happens, than there is nothing to hold the capsule (with the IOL) in place. I also read that the zonules may break later if not broken during the surgery.
I found out on this forum that in a cataract surgery with PXE the risk of complications maybe 10-15% or even higher, compared to 1-3% without PXE.

My question: Should I have the cataract surgery now, or wait until symptoms interfere with my life.

I have to mention that I am taking warfarin for my atrial fibrillation (mitral valve repair and unsuccessful atrial ablations) and also aspirin for the stent placed in my RCA, as well as other medications for my heart.

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

It is not what he or she tells you - rather what everyone else tells you.
I would be a plus if surgeon had done several thousand cataract surgeries and doesn't have multiple lawsuits against him or her.  He or she should have the trust of many other doctors and other professionals and several people you know.
If you are being seen at a large group ask each employee you see,  who the best surgeon is at the practice or who they would have work on their mother.
MJK MD

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

Have the surgery when your vision is bothering you.  In my experience, I have seen less than 1% risk with PXE (I call it PXF) cataract cases.  Your case does indeed sound difficult, but you just need to make sure you have an excellent and very experienced surgeon. You can probably continue your blood thinners during your surgery if done with topical anesthesia.

Michael Kutryb, MD
Kutryb Eye Institute
Titusville, FL

[Jenny211]

A related discussion, SORE EYES WITH PSEUDOEXFOLIATION was started.

[sam500016]

A related discussion, pfx sundrome was started.

[rybn]

Thank you.

[rybn]

Thanks for your encouraging answer.
How can I tell if my doctor is "an excellent and very experienced surgeon" ?
What questions should I ask him?
What answers will tell me that he is the one?