Cataract Surgery with Goniotomy
Hester Ophthalmology
1604 Physicians Dr Suite 103, Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 343-8125
Conditions
Treatments
Clarity and Pressure Relief in One Procedure: Cataract Surgery with Goniotomy at Columbus Regional
If you’ve been diagnosed with both cataracts and glaucoma, you may be able to treat both conditions at the same time. At Columbus Regional Healthcare System, our Ophthalmology Program offers cataract surgery combined with goniotomy—an innovative, minimally invasive technique that not only restores clear vision but also helps lower eye pressure caused by glaucoma.
This dual-approach procedure offers an efficient, effective way to preserve both your vision and your eye health.
What Is Goniotomy?
A goniotomy is a surgical procedure that improves fluid drainage inside the eye. It is commonly used to treat open-angle glaucoma by removing or bypassing part of the trabecular meshwork—the tissue responsible for draining fluid from the eye.
By enhancing the eye’s natural outflow system, goniotomy helps lower intraocular pressure (IOP), reducing the risk of optic nerve damage and vision loss associated with glaucoma.
Why Combine Goniotomy with Cataract Surgery?
Many people with glaucoma also develop cataracts over time. Combining cataract surgery with goniotomy offers several advantages:
- One procedure, one recovery
- Reduced intraocular pressure without additional glaucoma surgery
- Decreased reliance on glaucoma medications
- Improved quality of vision from cataract removal
- Lower overall risk and cost compared to two separate surgeries
It’s an excellent option for patients with mild to moderate glaucoma who are already planning to have cataract surgery.
What Happens During the Procedure?
Cataract surgery with goniotomy is performed on an outpatient basis:
- Your surgeon removes the cloudy lens and replaces it with an intraocular lens (IOL) implant.
- Using a specialized goniotomy tool, your surgeon gently opens the eye’s natural drainage pathway through a small internal incision.
- This improves fluid outflow and helps regulate eye pressure long-term.
The entire procedure typically takes under 30 minutes, and most patients go home the same day.
Recovery and Results
- You may experience clearer vision within a few days
- Eye pressure begins to stabilize as your eye heals
- Most patients can reduce or eliminate glaucoma eye drops
- Discomfort is typically minimal and short-lived
- Follow-up appointments ensure both vision and pressure are improving as expected
As always, our team will provide detailed aftercare instructions and monitor your healing closely.
Why Choose Columbus Regional?
- Experienced ophthalmologists trained in advanced glaucoma and cataract techniques
- Access to minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) technology
- Tailored treatment plans based on your type and severity of glaucoma
- Collaborative care between your eye care team and other specialists
- A comfortable, patient-focused surgical experience
One Simple Step Toward Better Vision and Better Eye Health
You don’t have to treat glaucoma and cataracts separately. If you’re managing both conditions, cataract surgery with goniotomy may offer the convenience, clarity, and pressure relief you need—all at once.
Schedule a consultation with the Ophthalmology Program at Columbus Regional Healthcare System today to see if you’re a candidate for this innovative approach.
Your eyes are in good hands—and your vision has never looked brighter.