Cataract Surgery Does NOT Make Macular Degeneration Worse
Macular Degeneration, or AMD, is one of the most feared diagnoses you can get at the eye doctor’s office. It is a disease of aging, and is most often seen in people who are older than 60. Cataracts are also something seen in people as they get older. Because of this, there are quite a few people who are under the care of an eye doctor for both of these problems.
While there are many treatments now available to prevent blindness from AMD, there is nothing that we know of yet that can cure it. We can, however, cure cataracts by removing them and replacing them with an implant called an IOL. Many people are afraid that cataract surgery will make their AMD worse, and because of this they delay the very treatment that will restore their vision. Cataract surgeons like our Dr. Darrell White have known for a very long time that this is not true, and now there is another study that confirms the safety of cataract surgery if you have AMD.
In the June issue of JAMA Ophthalmology, the eye care journal of the AMA, the authors Park et al looked at almost 18,000 study participants who had cataract surgery. Their findings were clear: modern cataract surgery is NOT associated with worsening AMD. A commentary that was published along with the study said that cataract surgeons should not be deterred from considering cataract surgery in those patients with AMD who are felt to be suffering vision loss due to their cataracts.
Even though this is not really new news, it is good news nonetheless! If you have AMD and cataracts, and your vision can be improved with cataract surgery, concern for your AMD should not stand in your way.
Dr. Darrell White is one of the leading cataract surgeons in the United States. He has brought many new technologies to Northeast Ohio. At SkyVision Centers we have one of the highest percentages of patients who choose advanced IOL technologies for their cataract surgery, and many enjoy excellent vision without wearing glasses after surgery.
The entire team would be happy to discuss any concerns you may have about cataracts and AMD. We are very pleased that this latest study confirms our belief that cataract surgery does not lead to worsening of AMD.
#eyehealth #cataracts #macular degeneration #IOLs #bowtiedoc