I have macular degeneration in the right eye and dry in the left. I have been treated with the injections for 2 years. My cataracts are

[drd4]

Getting worse because I take a lot of Presdnisone for COPD. The retina specialist says I can't have the cataracts removed because of the treatments. Is that true? I live in the US so I can't call your Macular Society.

[brightestspark]

You could try emailing the helpline directly, though someone will probably see your post here anyway. The address is: [e-mail]

[drd4]

Thanks. I emailed.

[andy1955 Macular Society]

Hello Dorothy,

We have sought advice from a respected retinal consultant ophthalmologist in the UK who has replied to your enquiry as follows;

'That is not entirely accurate.

We advise that you treat the wet macular degeneration to stabilise it before cataract surgery. The reason is that if not stable the cataract surgery may aggravate the leakage from the wet AMD. However, the leakage doesn’t have to be completely stopped, especially in this case where the cataract is progressive due to the steroid therapy.

In such circumstances, I’ll advise that the anti-VEG injection is given 1-2 weeks before cataract surgery and another one 2-3 weeks later (ie 1 months from the pre-op injection). Then we continue from there as normal.

Some surgeons have given the anti-VEGF injection immediately after the cataract surgery, but that’s not my preference.

Of course the surgeon will pay particular attention to the cataract wound.'

I hope that this is helpful.

Best wishes

Helpline

Macular Society