cataracts and dry AMD

[PIMMYPOOH]

Is it possible to have cataracts removed if you have early dry AMD? I'm new here.

[lesley-margaret]

I have early cataracts and although not bad enough to have the op my optician seemed to think it would be no problem as the two conditions affect different parts of the eye.

I would also be interested in what others have heard.

[Ayayay80]

The short answer is - yes, as different parts of the eye are affected and I know of people who had this done but ...and and here is the but:

1) It depends on how severe the cataracts are.

2) It is not always clear how much of vision loss is due to cataracts or the AMD and the op may not remarkably improve eyesight.

3) In an ironic way the cataracts protect the retina against further damage due to ultraviolet light.

4) There seems to be a slight risk that a cataract operation can worsen AMD, possibly due to injury even though the parts are not connected.

In my case, the cataract in my R eye (my good eye with dry AMD) is worse than In my L eye with wet AMD, which makes the vision in my R eye only marginally better than in my L. My consultant is well aware of this, but so far he has not suggested the removal of any cataracts and I have not pushed the issue. Rightly or wrongly I am a believer in one step at the time. In the end, it will depend on the individual's severety of either condition. Your ophalmologist will advise you of what is best in your case.

Hope this answers some of you questions.

Good luck! x

[Ayayay80 in reply to Ayayay80]

I should just like to add that a vast number of people over a certain age show signs of early AMD and I have no doubt that cataract removals will be performed if the condition is severe enough to warrant surgery.

[Macular_1]

Hello Pimmypooh,

It is possible to have your cataracts removed when you have dry macular degeneration.

Please see our factsheet on the subject at the link below;

macularsociety.org/sites/de...

Not sure if you are a society member, but if you would like to take advantage of 6 months free membership of the Macular Society please see the following link;

macularsociety.org/6months

Best wishes

Helpline

Macular Society

[kevinaki]

I have wet one eye and doc said she'd remove cataracts (both)