Alabama eye surgeon Marc Michelson, M.D. reviewed questions and concerns about the relationship of cataracts and age related macular degeneration and the question of whether to have cataract surgery. “So we know that cataracts and age related macular degeneration share at least one common risk factor-that being increasing age. Cataract formation and macular degeneration both increase in frequency and incidence with age and thus it is pretty common to have one, the other or both as we head through our 50’s, 60’s and 70’s,” said Dr. Michelson.
The question that many patients are concerned with is whether to have cataract surgery if they have macular degeneration (AMD). And if they do-will it make the AMD get worse and faster. The general consensus among cataract surgeons is that with proper preoperative diagnostic testing, examination and consultation, patients who have Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and who develop a cataract are able to have cataract surgery after being counseled on what to expect with regard to overall vision improvements and lifestyle benefits. While AMD is not a reason to avoid cataract surgery, realistic expectations must be established by and between you and your cataract surgeon. Further, the most current and widely accepted studies on AMD progression after cataract surgery found that there was no difference in the frequency of the disease among patients who had cataract surgery as compared to those who did not.
If you or someone you know is concerned about cataracts, macular degeneration and cataract surgery they are encouraged to schedule an eye examination at Alabama Eye & Cataract Center in Birmingham by calling 205-930-0930, visiting Alabama Eye & Cataract Center or facebook.com/michelsonlaservision so that we can help recommend an appropriate treatment plan.
Michelson Laser Vision and Alabama Eye & Cataract Center are leading eye care centers in Birmingham staffed by a team of specialists including eye doctors who are fellowship trained cornea specialists and cataract and lens implant specialists-all board certified Ophthalmologists-as well as Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser eye surgery such as LASIK for laser vision correction, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease including cornea transplants, care for diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma.
Bladeless All Laser LASIK at Michelson Laser Vision, Birmingham - Laser Cataract Surgery & Lens Implants at Alabama Eye & Cataract Center, Birmingham.
