It is very IMPORTANT to let your surgeon know if you have ever taken any of the following medications: Flomax, Cardura, Hytrin, Uroxatral or Saw Palmetto

Patients using or have used Flomax (Tamsulosin Hydrochloride), Cardura (Doxazosin Mesylate), Hytrin (Terazosin Hydrochloride), Uroxatral (Alfuzosin Hydrochloride), or Saw Palmetto may be at additional risk for a complication of cataract surgery known as Intraoperative Floppy Iris Syndrome or IFIS.

IFIS results from weakening of the smooth muscle fibers in the iris associated with the use of certain medicines. This may reduce the ability of the iris to dilate during cataract surgery, cause the iris to move excessively within the eye during surgery, or may cause the iris to constrict (get smaller) during surgery, thereby limiting the surgeon’s view and making the procedure more difficult to perform.

In order to reduce the risks associated with IFIS, your ophthalmologist may place you on a powerful dilating drop, Atropine 1%, one drop twice daily (morning and evening) for the three days prior to cataract surgery and once on the morning of surgery, prior to leaving your home. This treatment is patient specific and will be determined by your surgeon.