Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 18, 2026

Ultrasound Cyclo Plasty in Eyes with Glaucoma
05:05

Ultrasound Cyclo Plasty in Eyes with Glaucoma

Published on: January 26, 2018

12.7K

Anticoagulation in Glaucoma Surgery

Shiraaz I Rahman1, Angela Turalba1

  • 1a Glaucoma Service, Department of Ophthalmology , Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School , Boston , MA , USA.

Seminars in Ophthalmology
|November 18, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Managing anticoagulation for glaucoma surgery is complex, with current evidence unclear on whether to stop these medications. Altering anticoagulation should be done cautiously and with physician consultation due to potential risks.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Cardiology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Anticoagulation medications are widely prescribed, especially in elderly patients, for various systemic conditions to prevent adverse outcomes.
  • While guidelines exist for anticoagulation management during cataract surgery, their application in glaucoma surgery remains uncertain.
  • Glaucoma surgery poses unique challenges for managing patients on anticoagulation therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the current diverse practices among surgeons regarding anticoagulation management in glaucoma surgery.
  • To assess the available evidence on the benefits and risks of holding anticoagulation before glaucoma surgery.
  • To provide guidance on the cautious management of anticoagulation in patients undergoing glaucoma surgery.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current literature and surgeon practices concerning anticoagulation in glaucoma surgery.
  • Analysis of the evidence regarding the necessity and safety of altering anticoagulation therapy.
  • Consideration of potential adverse events associated with both continuing and discontinuing anticoagulation.

Main Results:

  • There is significant variability in surgeon approaches to anticoagulation management for glaucoma surgery.
  • Current evidence is insufficient to definitively determine whether holding anticoagulation is beneficial.
  • The risks associated with discontinuing anticoagulation therapy can be serious.

Conclusions:

  • Decisions regarding anticoagulation for glaucoma surgery should be made judiciously.
  • Altering anticoagulation therapy should be performed sparingly and only after consulting with the prescribing physician.
  • Further research is needed to establish clear guidelines for anticoagulation management in glaucoma surgery.

Keywords:
Cardiovascular diseaseclottinghemorrhagesurgical complications

More Related Videos

Full-Circle Cauterization of Limbal Vascular Plexus for Surgically Induced Glaucoma in Rodents10:10

Full-Circle Cauterization of Limbal Vascular Plexus for Surgically Induced Glaucoma in Rodents

Published on: February 15, 2022

1.9K
Author Spotlight: A Novel Protocol for Intracameral Injections to Enhance Precision in Rodent Ophthalmology06:19

Author Spotlight: A Novel Protocol for Intracameral Injections to Enhance Precision in Rodent Ophthalmology

Published on: May 31, 2024

1.7K

Related Concept Videos

Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment01:28

Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment

Angle-closure glaucoma, or closed-angle glaucoma, is an eye condition where the iris bulges out and blocks the iridocorneal angle, resulting in a buildup of aqueous humor and increased intraocular pressure. Immediate medical attention is necessary due to the sudden onset of symptoms. The treatment for angle-closure glaucoma includes short-term and long-term approaches. Short-term treatment involves using eye drops like pilocarpine to lower intraocular pressure by increasing aqueous humor...
1.4K
Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment01:27

Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment

In open-angle glaucoma, the iridocorneal angle remains open, but the trabecular meshwork becomes stiff, slowing down the outflow of aqueous humor. This causes a buildup of aqueous humor in the anterior chamber, leading to a sudden increase in intraocular pressure. The treatment for open-angle glaucoma focuses on reducing the elevated intraocular pressure by either decreasing the secretion of aqueous humor or increasing its outflow.
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
1.0K
Glaucoma: Overview01:25

Glaucoma: Overview

Glaucoma is an eye condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure that damages the retina and optic nerve, leading to irreversible blindness if left untreated. The human eye has various components, including the cornea, iris, pupil, lens, and optic nerve. Aqueous humor is secreted by the epithelium of the ciliary body in the posterior chamber and flows through the trabecular meshwork and canal of Schlemm, maintaining normal intraocular pressure. The trabecular meshwork and the canal...
1.4K
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care01:29

Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care

Venous thrombosis requires effective prevention and treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes and reduce potential complications.Prevention StrategiesHealthcare providers must prioritize preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE) for all adult patients upon admission. Interventions depend on bleeding and thrombosis risk, medical history, current medications, diagnoses, planned procedures, and patient preferences. Patients on bed rest should change positions every two hours and, if not...
388
Anticoagulant Drugs: Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins01:30

Anticoagulant Drugs: Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins

Hemostasis is a crucial process that prevents excessive blood loss from damaged blood vessels. It involves various mechanisms such as vasoconstriction, platelet adhesion and activation, and fibrin formation. The importance of each mechanism depends on the type of vessel injury. In contrast, thrombosis is the abnormal formation of a blood clot within the blood vessels, leading to potential complications if the clot obstructs blood flow. Thrombosis can be caused by increased coagulability of the...
2.0K