Connection between cataract surgery and wet macular deneration.

[AnitaMarie]

I was told that my cataract surgery had nothing to do with causing my dry macular degeneration to bleed and turn to wet in both eyes. I had surgery in the left eye in February of 2017 and had a bleed in April of 2017. At that point, I started the shots in my left eye. I had cataract surgery in the right eye in March of 2018 and mentioned to the doctor that I saw spots in the right eye before he did the surgery and had a bleed in that eye. I amwondering if the cataract surgery is or is not the cause of the bleeds. My optometrist told me that my dry macular degeneration was not too bad before the cataract surgery. Can anyone (except the doctors) convince me if there is or is not a connection between the cataract surgery and the wet degeneration. Thank you.

[Hidden]

Hello AnitaMarie

i am not trying to convince you either way. Most of the time cataract surgery goes without a hitch, but from what I have read, complications such as retinal bleeding and increased eye pressure at the back of the eye can occur, though this seems quite rare. Cataracts can sometimes prevent the optometrist or ophthalmologist to see clearly what is happening at the back of the eye.

In my case, I was told by my optometrist 2 years that I had dry AMD in both eye. She obviously did not think it bad enough for a referral as she asked me come back in a year. My new specs, however, made hardly any difference to my vision, so I asked my GP to refer me to the eye clinic where I was diagnosed with wet AMD in my left eye. Although I too have cataracts, I had no surgery and no other intervention and still, within 2 months the dry had turned to wet, unless it was there in the first place. So, you see, it can "just happen" for no obvious reason.

I know, most of us would like to be told the truth and in detail, but such information is seldom forthcoming from the medical profession.

My best wishes.

[AnitaMarie in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your reply. I agree with your last statement.

[marianS]

Dear AnitaMarie

The association between AMD and cataracts is a tricky one, and I can understand your distress that one may have caused the other. At the Macular Society we are usually contacted by people who are having to make a decision, following guidance from their specialist about risks and benefits, as to whether they want to go ahead with a cataract operation.

Sadly, AMD is a condition that is not yet curable and is likely to get worse over time, whichever type you have.

We have a Factsheet on our website that you can view here:

macularsociety.org/sites/de...

We are not directly medical, although our training, information and literature is guided by Ophthalmologists. The factsheet states

“It is common to have cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), although the conditions are not linked.”

You already had dry AMD before the cataracts, and there is a statistic in our “Guide to AMD” booklet that is reported that 10-15% of people with dry AMD develop wet and we always advise people to monitor their sight weekly with an Amsler grid. Maybe you one person in this category.

The fact is you are where you are now, and it seems like you are looking for an answer to help you move forward. We do have a telephone counselling service if you are struggling with your situation, and could refer you if you wish but you would need to phone our Helpline (see below) so we can take some details and obtain your consent to refer you.

Please see this booklet about the emotional impact of sight loss which mentions our Counselling Service:

macularsociety.org/sites/de...

Just to make you aware, we are currently offering free 6 month membership. This is a good way to keep up with current developments and you can join by following this link:

macularsociety.org/6months

Please do not hesitate to contact us if we can be of any future help , either by email or ringing the Macular Society Helpline which is open 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday on 0300 3030 111.

Kind regards,

From the Macular Society Helpline

[fed12]

It's just be co-incidence. But I sympathise/empathise deeply, AnitaMarie. I had a much needed cataract op. on my eye: a few years later I had dry AMD which went to wet. My "good" eye now needs a cataract op., and I am minded to go ahead with this. BUT...….obviously I feel very conflicted.

I like the answer from the Macular Society.

[AnitaMarie in reply to fed12]

I also appreciated their answer. It is a scary decision for you, but cataracts can blind us as well, if not treated. As we say down south, we are caught between a rock and a hard place. Thank you for your reply.

[alalex101]

I had cataract surgery at age 43 and afterward had a bad macular edema. It eventually resolved. It returned about 10 years later along with dry AMD, Then CSR and CNV. Are they sure it is a bleed and not just fluid? The progression or occurrence is so individualized and unpredictable. It is frustrating.

[silkysoft in reply to alalex101]

Hi alalex,

Please read my post and maybe you can advise me if perhaps my diagnosis of Wet Macular Degeneration with fluid after IOL replacement could be a Macular Eodema as the optician stated during the eye examination where he found * narrow angles causing high pressure in my right eye * the back of your eyes on the OCT is perfect * They actually put replacement lenses in my Left eye which had nothing wrong with it.

[silkysoft]

I am not sure if you *should* just accept the situation you have now, unless you were totally happy about the after care .I am determined not to accept my present diagnosis, as I know it was the IOL exchange and bad after care which caused my problem as I had been told the OCT was effect beforehand At this moment.I really could * Kill * the consultants I entrusted my eyesight to.

[silkysoft]

My last post was in answer to AnitaMarie .