Question re cataract surgery

Discussion in 'Laser Eye Surgery' started by The Real Bev, Jan 17, 2008.

  1. The Real Bev

    The Real Bev Guest

    What are the odds that cataract surgery can cause or at least encourage
    the development of macular degeneration? A number of elderly friends
    have developed MD within a few years of their cataract surgery.
    Granted, MD is likely to show up later in life than cataracts, but still...

    A second question: My ophthalmologist said there was no chance I'd need
    cataract surgery. How could she tell? I'll ask next time I see her,
    but that's 9 months away...

    --
    Cheers,
    Bev
    ==================================================================
    "I used to be convinced that MicroSquish shipped crap because they
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    - John C. Randolph, about MS quality control.
     
    The Real Bev, Jan 17, 2008
    #1
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  2. The Real Bev

    Dr Judy Guest

    A lot of my friends developed gray hair and wrinkles after getting
    their first pair of bifocals ; ) ...

    You already identified the reason: both cataract and ARMD are age
    related disorders with age being the primary risk factor.

    There has been some concern that the natural lens which yellows and
    blocks blue light as it ages may protect the retina better than
    implants. So, the risk, if any is not the surgery itself but the
    change in light wavelengths reaching the retina after the natural lens
    is removed. Evidence for this risk is scant, but blue light blocking
    IOLs have been developed and are being marketed.

    See: PubMed 15870573, 17159440

    Patel JI.
    Ophthalmology Department, Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, Australia.


    PURPOSE OF REVIEW: There is a suggestion of increased risk or
    progression of age-related macular degeneration after cataract
    surgery, which is related to the increased exposure of the retina to
    short-wavelength light. RECENT FINDINGS: Cell culture and animal work
    has described retinal and retinal pigment epithelium phototoxicity on
    acute light exposure. Clinical studies suggest that the use of short-
    wavelength-blocking intraocular lenses can help but may also affect
    visual function and circadian rhythm. SUMMARY: Evidence to date fails
    to prove conclusively that light alone or cataract surgery can induce
    or cause the progression of age-related macular degeneration. A
    randomized clinical study of the use of short-wavelength (blue)-
    blocking lenses to prove or disprove the ability of these intraocular
    lenses to help in preventing progression of age-related macular
    degeneration is needed.

    PMID: 17159440 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


    I expect your doctor means there is no chance you will need cataract
    surgery in the near term. She can't see years into the future but she
    can see that your lenses are relatively clear now, knows that cataract
    develops slowly, knows your current age, knows the average age at
    which people need cataract surgery and is confident that cataract will
    not develop in your eyes for a good many years.

    Dr Judy
     
    Dr Judy, Jan 17, 2008
    #2
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  3. The Real Bev

    The Real Bev Guest

    Sorry for top-posting, I just want to say thanks and I'm archiving this...

     
    The Real Bev, Jan 19, 2008
    #3
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