Dr. Francis DeCroosQ: Can cataract surgery in a person with dry age-related macular degeneration cause the disease to progress to wet age-related macular degeneration?
A: Numerous studies have been performed to determine if cataract surgery is associated with increased progression of dry age-related macular degeneration or of conversion of dry age-related macular degeneration to wet age-related macular degeneration. Though some studies found a link between cataract surgery and worsening of dry age-related macular degeneration, many other studies did not find a link. Currently, the consensus is that cataract surgery is not a definite risk factor for progression of dry age-related macular degeneration.
– Dr. Francis C. DeCroos, Southeastern Retina Associates; member, Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society
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