Q: My 86 years old grandfather is detected with glaucoma, wherein his right eye’s vision is almost nil and his left eye has 10% vision. He also has cataract. We have consulted a doctor who has prescribed a medicine for one month and then it will be taken up for operation. Please suggest, whether his vision can be improved?

A:The sight lost by glaucoma is not recoverable. As in the eye, which is proposed for surgery has both cataract and glaucoma, a combined surgery is advocated. The portion lost by cataract will return and not that lost by glaucoma. It is wise to take up doctor’s advice, and what exact vision that returns cannot be predicted. The hope and prayers are for retention of vision that is regained after surgery for a long time. Periodic assessments are essential.