Cataract in bad eye

[123derlwyn]

Hello all,

I have Wet macular degeneration in my right eye. I was diagnosed some 3/4 years ago and to date have had about 43 lucentis injections. I have been told that I have a cataract in my bad eye.....waiting to see consultant next month for an opinion on whether it's worth having the cataract removed. Just wondering whether there might be someone out there who might have experienced same and if so what was the outcome. I would be ever so grateful if you would share your experience please. Thank you very much.

[Macular_1]

Hello 123derlwyn,

I am sure that others will share their experiences.

It is quite unusual for a consultant ophthalmologist to undertake a cataract operation when someone is being treated for wet macular degeneration, but sometimes when sight gets very poor a cataract operation is carried out.

Have a look at our cataracts factsheet at the following link for more information;

macularsociety.org/sites/de...

Best wishes

Helpline

Macular Society

[123derlwyn]

Hello Macular_1

Thank you very much for your reply and for the information. Most helpful and has clarified a few things for me. My left eye is good and with that in mind, I am now doubtful whether they would consider a cataract operation.

The information makes sense in that I am sure my peripheral vision is affected.

Still, I have to thank my lucky stars for my left good eye!!

[rosyG in reply to 123derlwyn]

I hope all goes well- a hard time for you

[123derlwyn in reply to rosyG]

Thank you rosyG.

[tallyho]

Hi there. I would hazard a guess that they will not remove your cataract. You already have an issue with that eye and so it is probably best left alone especially as your other eye is good. The only reason they may be forced into doing something is if

1) the ophthalmologist was finding it too hard to see into your eye because of the opacity of the cataract

2) the cataract was closing your angles and thus causing IOP ( pressure) to rise and thus at risk of another complication.

Take care

[123derlwyn in reply to tallyho]

I appreciate your reply tallyho. Thank you very much. The trials of life!!

[Jayral]

I have had cataract surgery in my good eye - referred directly to cataract consultant by my macular consultant so I would have good vision in one eye.

I am now waiting for cataract surgery in my 'bad eye' - lost central vision due to myopic macular degeneration and no more injections will help me but the cataract surgery will mean I have better peripheral vision to help the eyes balance a bit as I currently wear a contact lens for that. This is on the NHS - the cataract consultant has all my notes from the macular clinic and is happy to do the op, having discussed it with the macular consultant.

May depend on clinic but in Aberdeen, my optometrist, ophthalmologist and cataract doctor all communicate well.

Kind regards

[123derlwyn in reply to Jayral]

Thank you Jayral. Most encouraging. I am seeing my macular consultant for a chat next month. Will be interesting what he has to say.