Thank you for your question. I am sorry that your mother is going through these eye troubles. In general, we say that glaucoma is classically defined as a stereotypical pattern of damage to the optic nerve and certain layers of the retina. This damage to the nerve and the retina primarily result in loss of peripheral vision and contrast vision (ability to see differences between shades of similar color). The central vision becomes involved only when the glaucoma has progressed and become quite advanced. Unfortunately, in most cases, once glaucoma has damaged the eye and has caused a decrease in vision, it is permanent. However, it is important to understand that this is primarily peripheral vision until the very advanced stages. Cataracts on the other hand, affect the central vision primarily. Patients with cataracts often complain of difficulty reading, seeing the TV, seeing at night time when lights are coming toward them (glare), etc. By removing the cataract, hopefully the central vision will become clearer and help your mother with her activities of daily living even if it does not increase her peripheral vision. We would not expect the peripheral vision to change much (although it can clear some if the cataract was causing problems in the periphery as well.). I wish you both the best of luck.