Taking Flomax May Cause Cataract Complications

A new study confirms the link between patients taking Flomax and complications when undergoing cataract surgery.  Men taking Flomax to treat an enlarged prostate face more than double the risk for serious complications should they ened cataract surgery.  In this new study, 7.5 percent of the men who had taken Flomax in the two weeks before cataract surgery had a serious complication, compared with 2.7 percent of those who had not taken the drug.  That makes it a 2.3 times greater risk.  This study strengthens an existing study from 2005 about risks associated with taking Flomax before cataract surgery.  The 2005 study found that men taking Flomax or other alpha-blockers before cataract surgery had complications during and immediately after the procedure.

Flomax is often prescribed to treat an enlarged prostate, a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, which affects almost three of four men 70 and older.  Women are also prescribed Flomax, for urinary problems.  Anyone who is taking or has ever taken Flomax or a similar alpha-blocker should tell his or her ophthalmologist prior to cataract surgery.  If you have cataracts and know you will need cataract surgery, you should consult with your prescribing physician before starting to take any alpha-blocker.  Do not discontinue taking an alpha-blocker without talking to your doctor.

This article reprinted with permission from the American Academy of Ophthalmology's EyeSmart campaign.