Researchers recently reviewed data from the IRIS registry of eye disease to try and clear the air regarding the potential link between cataract surgery and the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Previous studies offered no definitive conclusions regarding the potential link between cataract surgery and AMD progression. The most recent review of data included patient information from January 2016 through December 2022 and involved patients aged 55 and over with either early or intermediate dry AMD. Researchers then looked at whether the patients had cataract surgery or not.
Researchers determined there was a notable link between cataract surgery and the progression to wet AMD with the stronger link being early on in the post-surgery follow up. With this greater risk of progression during the early follow-up period, researchers hypothesize that the overall risk could be greatest in patients with more advanced or symptomatic AMD at baseline.
The study results emphasize the need for eye care providers to make sure their patients are aware of the possible risk of AMD progression and to also make sure the patient has the proper post operative follow-up.
