Cataracts and age-related macular degeneration are both prevalent eye disorders that can affect elderly people simultaneously. The subject of whether cataract surgery impacts the formation or progression of AMD (Age-related Macular Degeneration) is frequently asked. Cataracts and AMD are fairly common among the elderly. Certain kinds of cataract can arise in young persons on occasion. Some babies are born with cataracts. These are referred as congenital cataracts.
The best Cataract Surgeon would explain it this way: A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s normally clear lens. The lens of a younger eye is translucent. Light passes readily through the lens, resulting in a sharp image on the retina. Parts of the lens might become clouded as we age, resulting in a cataract. This is a painless eye disorder that causes light to scatter or be absorbed by the retina.
Macular degeneration is a prevalent eye disease in persons over the age of 50. It produces impaired or diminished central vision due to macula thinning. The macula is the region of the retina that is in charge of clear vision in your straight line of sight says an experienced Retina Specialist Doctor.
According to certain research and anecdotal reports, cataract surgery may hasten the advancement of AMD. However, the majority of big research have shown no link. Overall, cataract surgery does not appear to contribute to the progression of AMD.
Dense cataracts can sometimes disguise the signs of AMD. The clarity of the final vision depends on the severity of any underlying AMD when these dense cataracts are removed and replaced with new artificial intraocular lenses (or IOLs).
Furthermore, once a cataract is removed, AMD symptoms including visual distortion or blurring may become more visible. As a result, some people have incorrectly concluded that the procedure exacerbated the AMD.
Cataract surgery is typically suggested by the best Cataract Surgeon when vision gets impaired enough to interfere with daily activities. Most central vision is lost in persons with late-stage AMD, and they rely heavily on their peripheral (side) vision. If these persons also have large cataracts, cataract surgery can improve their peripheral vision greatly.
Thus, several studies have demonstrated and any good retina specialist doctor that cataract surgery can significantly improve overall quality of life in persons with large cataracts and late stage AMD, even if central vision is not improved. People with late-stage AMD and light cataracts, on the other hand, do not normally benefit substantially from cataract surgery.
