IN Cataract Surgeon on Macular Degeneration

IN Cataract Surgeon Scott Buck, M.D. commented on cataracts and age related macular degeneration (AMD). “Cataracts and macular degeneration share at least one common risk factor-age,” commented Dr. Buck. “With increasing age cataract formation and macular degeneration both increase in frequency and incidence, so it is pretty common to have one, the other or both as we head through our 50’s, 60’s and 70’s,” he further explained. “The question that I often discuss with patients is whether to have cataract surgery and lens implants if they also have macular degeneration. 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 thoroughly counseled on what to expect with regard to overall vision improvements and lifestyle benefits-it’s really all about helping the patient understand and develop realistic expectations,” continued Dr. Buck. 

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 has a question about cataracts, cataract surgery, lens implants or macular degeneration or wish to schedule an eye examination for a cataract and lens implant evaluation, please feel free to contact Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center at 219-464-8223, visit Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center or facebook.com/nwindianaeyeandlaser and schedule an appointment so we can help. 

Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center in Valparaiso, IN is staffed by a team of Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser vision correction such as LASIK, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma as well as contact lenses, eyeglasses, eyewear and optical services. We are conveniently located for patients seeking eye care from throughout northern Indiana including La Porte, Mishawaka, South Bend, Michigan City, Crown Point, Merrillville, Chesterton, South Haven, Westville, Hebron, Lowell, Valparaiso and Walkerton as well as Chicago, Illinois suburban areas of Frankfurt, Calumet City, Monee and Crete.