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Cataract surgery with pre existing retinal disease

Posted , 4 users are following.

ria79568
ria79568

My dad is due to have cataract surgery. He is also has diabetic retinopathy, maculopathy and dry- macular degeneration (AMD). He has been told that the surgery has the potential to make his conditions worse, but I'm struggling to find out why this is? Any help would be appreciated! 

0 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • diane48177
    diane48177 ria79568

    Posted

    The decision to have surgery, especially when you’re told it can make his condition worse, is so difficult as it is. But to live it’s the cataract is difficult as well. Is there a chance you can take him for a second opinion. It’s a hassle I know, to get established somewhere else but I think it may be worth it. Doctors have experience in different areas. One doctor may have seen more of ‘this type’ of case. Or maybe they can refer you to a more specialized surgeon. I wish you well!
    • ria79568
      ria79568 diane48177

      Posted

      Thank you! I will try and get opinions from other doctors before the surgery! 
  • Sue.An
    Sue.An ria79568

    Posted

    Hi  ria79568.  All of us on these forums are patients dealing with cataracts and cataract surgeries and obviously not experts in this field.   Are you able to attend the consult with the opthamologist with your dad?   

    I think these issues your dad has from my understanding makes the surgery a bit more complicated and diabetes should be under control prior to surgery.  From what I read the sooner the cataracts are dealt with the better.

    I did find an interesting link on Medscape.  Because these forums don’t allow links I will send it to you in a private message.

    But really think someone should go with your dad to the consultation to ensure all the questions are answered.

    Best of luck to your dad for a successful cataract surgery.

    • ria79568
      ria79568 Sue.An

      Posted

      Hi sue. 

      My dads surgery is actually this week. As I live in a different city I haven't been able to attend his appointments. He was told this information by a nurse who was unable to give him any further information. His doctor is unwilling to disclose anything over the phone and so the next time we see him face to face will be the morning of the surgery, by which it may be too late!

      However as soon as he told me I got straight to researching. I am a student optometrist myself and so have some understanding but was just looking for further insight. 

      I'll read the link and hopefully will find some clarity! Thank you for your help! 

    • Sue.An
      Sue.An ria79568

      Posted

      Oh so sorry that must add stress for your dad.  Hopefully you can have some sort of discussion with the surgeon prior to surgery to find out lens type (I assume monofocal lens) and what target your dad prefers.

      Wonder if you can get on touch with an opthamologist in your area to clarify some things just for information purposes.

  • lynne75659
    lynne75659 ria79568

    Posted

    You might want to have him evaluated by a retinal specialist, who would likely give you the same advice.  My mother had macular degeneration, and IMO, if anything, cataract surgery may have made it worse...it definitely didn't help.  Probably because once you have any/all of these diseases, cataracts are no longer the main problem with one's eyesight, and surgery in general involves risks, especially to an already-diseased eye.  (Just my guess.)  It might also be helpful to ask the doctor what the odds are for any improvement with the surgery in your dad's case, if you can.  

    • ria79568
      ria79568 lynne75659

      Posted

      Yes I totally agree that the cataract is definitely not the main problem with regards to his vision. I understand why they would want to remove it- in order to treat the underlying issues! I'll speak to the doctor and ensure that the benefits outweigh the risks! Thank you! 

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