The risk of post-operative problems in cataract surgery is higher in patients who have taken alpha-blocker drugs like Flomax to treat an enlarged prostate.

According to the 3 medical associations; The American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery and the American Urological Association, mentioning the use of drugs like Flomax (tamsulosin), Hytrin (terazosin), Cardura (doxazosin) or Uroxatral (alfuzosin) or any other drug categorized as an alpha-blocker can allow surgeons to alter their technique during the cataract surgery and avoid complications seen in such patients.

However, according to representatives from these medical associations said that there is no proof that these drugs can cause any long-term harm or vision loss. Patients with cataract need not stop the medications before having the surgery. It is just that the surgical procedure will be altered accordingly.

"You don't need to worry; you just need to inform your eye surgeon if you are currently taking, or have ever taken, Flomax or other alpha-blockers," said Dr. David F. Chang, clinical professor of ophthalmology at the University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine.

Dr. Chang and Dr. John Campbell studied 1,600 patients who were using or had used Flomax or other alpha-blockers previously. These alpha-blockers seemed to restrain the muscle of the iris, from allowing the pupil to remain completely open during cataract surgery with conventional eye drops. This dilation is essential for the removal of the clouded, cataract-covered lens below the pupil and replacement with an artificial one.