Can You Have Cataract Surgery If You Have Macular Degeneration?

Baptist Eye Surgeons • August 31, 2020

The short answer is yes, you can have cataract surgery if you have age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The real question is whether cataract surgery will actually help your vision or not if you have AMD. The answer to that question is “probably, yes,” but it would be helpful to define what cataracts and AMD are to understand why that is.

To answer why you can probably have cataract surgery if you have macular degeneration, we’ll look at:

  • Establishing the reason for your vision loss
  • Can cataract surgery worsen AMD?
  • Understanding macular degeneration and cataracts

AMD and cataracts can severely affect your quality of life. By understanding these factors, you’ll be much better prepared to make an informed decision and possibly regain some of your lost vision.

Establishing the Reason for Your Vision Loss 

AMD and cataracts both negatively affect our ability to see but in different ways. AMD inhibits our ability to make out finer details while cataracts cause blurry vision. When combined, they result in severe vision loss that can greatly diminish your quality of life. 

Will cataract surgery help restore some lost vision for those with AMD? Probably, but other factors are at play that your ophthalmologist will want to take into consideration.

First and foremost , your ophthalmologist will want to establish what’s causing the majority of your vision loss—AMD or cataracts. Unfortunately, some who have experienced significant vision loss due to AMD won’t get much benefit from cataract surgery. 

To figure out which is causing the majority of your vision loss, your ophthalmologist will want to examine your retina and lens to evaluate their condition. They will take photos of your retina and examine your lens to see how clouded it is. 

Keep in mind that cataract surgery may not be your ophthalmologist’s first choice of treatment. Instead, they may want to see if a new eyeglass prescription or low vision magnifiers will do the trick.

While removing the cataract will help more light get into your eye, it may not be enough to restore your central vision, which is affected by AMD. Sharp, clear vision requires a healthy retina and an unclouded lens.

Can cataract surgery worsen AMD?

This is an important question that many AMD-sufferers ask. After all, no one wants to undergo a procedure that will make their condition worse!

To answer this question, you first need to know that there are two types of AMD:

 

  • Dry AMD
  • Wet AMD

 

So far, there hasn’t been any evidence that dry AMD will be worsened by cataract surgery. Evidence is less consistent for wet AMD . The inside of the eye becomes inflamed due to cataract surgery, which could possibly worsen wet AMD. 

On a more positive note, those with AMD who qualify for cataract surgery can experience better vision even with the combined conditions of cataracts and AMD. It’s also unlikely that you’ll develop either form of AMD after cataract surgery if you don’t already have the condition. 

Understanding Macular Degeneration and Cataracts

Now that we’ve established the facts of cataract surgery and AMD, let’s take a closer look at the two conditions to get a better understanding of how they work. By gaining a better understanding of their differences, you can also better understand why cataract surgery may help some people with AMD while not helping others with the condition.

Macular Degeneration

AMD is a retinal problem that occurs when the macula has been damaged. Located at the center of the retina, the macula allows you to make out finer details such as written words and faces. 

This is also known as central vision . When your central vision has been damaged, you’ll find it difficult to see fine details regardless of whether they’re close or far away. On the other hand, your peripheral vision (side vision) will remain intact. 

We know that AMD comes in two forms—dry and wet. Dry AMD is the more common of the two, affecting roughly 80% of people who develop AMD. Dry AMD is caused by the thinning of the macula as you age. Unfortunately, experts haven’t developed a way to treat AMD as of yet.

While less common, wet AMD is much more serious than its dry counterpart. It occurs when the body starts producing new, unhealthy blood vessels below the retina that leak fluids such as blood. This results in scarring of the macula and vision loss much sooner than you would with dry AMD. 

Regardless of the form of AMD you may develop, common factors for both are:

  • Being over 50 
  • Being caucasian
  • Having high blood pressure
  • Having high cholesterol
  • Being overweight
  • Having too much saturated fat in your diet
  • Having heart disease
  • Being a smoker

Most people don’t know they have AMD until their vision has become blurred. It’s important that you start getting comprehensive eye exams regularly to catch symptoms before they become a serious problem.

Cataracts

Cataracts cause the lens of the eye to become clouded, resulting in poor vision. Think of it like a windshield. Clean windshields are easy to see through. Dirty windshields are difficult to see through and can result in accidents. Likewise, a cloudy lens makes it much harder to see. The difference here is you can’t run your eyes through an eyewash to make them clean again.

Symptoms of cataracts include:

  • Blurred vision
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Double vision
  • Poor night vision
  • Colors that used to be bright now seem faded

Most people develop cataracts as they get older. Aging results in natural changes to our eyes that begin around 40 years old. This involves the natural proteins in our eyes breaking down which results in our vision becoming more “cloudy.” Cloudiness from cataracts usually becomes noticeable around 60, though it may take years for problems to manifest.

While age plays the biggest role in developing cataracts, there are other variables that can have an effect on your chances of developing the condition. These include:

  • Genetics
  • Other medical issues such as diabetes
  • Previous eye surgeries or injuries
  • Radiation exposure to your upper body
  • Use of certain medications
  • Prolonged sun exposure without eye protection from UV rays

The speed at which cataracts develop is determined by their cause and doctors are unable to predict how quickly they will develop. We do know that cataracts due to old age develop over a long period of time. On the other hand, they can develop more quickly in diabetics and younger people.

You may be able to slow down your development of cataracts. This can be done by avoiding prolonged UV exposure to your eyes and wearing sunglasses that have UV protection .

Baptist Eye Surgeons is an ophthalmological practice in Knoxville, TN, and Morristown, TN. Visit our website to meet our doctors and learn more about our specialties, or give us a call at 865-579-3920 for more information or to schedule an appointment .

The Connection Between Diabetes and Eye Health

July 29, 2026
Diabetes affects various parts of the body, including your eyes. Keeping your blood sugar under control is not just good for your health overall, but it also helps protect your eyesight. Over time, high blood sugar can irritate the tiny blood vessels in your eyes and increase your risk of serious eye problems. Knowing how diabetes and eye health are linked can help you identify issues and take measures to protect your sight. How Does Diabetes Affect Eye Health? When blood sugar stays high, it can damage the blood vessels in the retina, which is the part of your eye that senses light and helps you see. Damaged blood vessels might leak fluid, swell, or change how well the retina works. Diabetic eye problems usually develop slowly, so you might not pick up on any changes in your vision until significant damage has occurred. That’s why it’s important for people with diabetes to get regular eye exams, even if their eyesight seems fine. Common Eye Conditions Linked to Diabetes People with diabetes are more likely to have certain eye problems. Finding and treating these issues early can lower the chance of losing vision permanently. 1. Diabetic Retinopathy Diabetic retinopathy is a common eye issue that happens when high blood sugar damages the retinal blood vessels. These damaged vessels may leak fluid, which may cause blurry vision, dark spots, or changes in how you see. In advanced cases, abnormal blood vessel growth can lead to serious problems. If diabetic retinopathy worsens, new abnormal blood vessels can grow, causing serious problems, including vision loss. Getting regular eye exams can help catch these changes early, before they become severe. When fluid is retained in the macula (part of the retina which focuses on sharp central vision), this swelling can make it harder to read, recognize faces, or see fine details clearly. When detected early, treatments can help reduce swelling and protect your eyesight. 3. Cataracts People with diabetes have a higher chance of getting cataracts early. Cataracts occur when the lens in your eye becomes cloudy, which can cause blurry vision, increased sensitivity to glare, and difficulty seeing clearly. While cataracts come with age, having diabetes can make them appear sooner or progress quicker. 4. Glaucoma Diabetes can also raise your risk for glaucoma, which is a group of eye diseases that harm the optic nerve. Glaucoma usually starts without any clear symptoms, but if it is not treated, it can cause permanent vision loss. Routine regular eye exams are important for finding glaucoma early and keeping your eyes healthy Diabetes-related eye problems might not cause symptoms at first. Still, there are some warning signs you should look out for: • Blurry or distorted vision • Difficulty focusing • Dark spots, floaters, or shadows in your sight • Increased sensitivity to glare • Trouble seeing colors clearly • Sudden alterations in vision • Partial or complete loss of vision If you notice sudden vision changes, contact an eye doctor as soon as possible. The Value of Regular Eye Exams for People With Diabetes Getting a full eye exam is one of the best ways to protect your vision if you have diabetes. During the examination, your physician will study your retina, look for symptoms of diabetic eye disease, and track any changes over time. Many eye problems linked to diabetes can be treated more easily if they are found early. Regular checkups help your eye doctor give you advice that fits your own eye health and diabetes care. Protecting Your Eyes When You Have Diabetes Looking after your general health is important for keeping your eyes healthy. Here are some things you can do to protect your vision: • Keeping blood sugar levels under control • Managing blood pressure and cholesterol • Scheduling regular diabetic eye exams • Following your diabetes treatment plan • Eating a balanced diet that promotes eye health • Avoiding smoking, which increases the risk of eye complications Prioritizing Your Vision and Eye Health Diabetes and eye health are closely linked, but you can lower your risk of serious vision problems by taking action early. Getting regular eye exams, making healthy choices, and managing your diabetes all help protect your eyesight. If you have diabetes, seeing your eye doctor regularly can help catch changes early and keep your vision clear for the future. Your eyes are a key part of your health, so make caring for them a priority at every age. 

Night Vision Problems: Causes and When to See an Eye Doctor

June 30, 2026
Night vision problems can make everyday activities like driving at dusk, walking in poorly lit places, or adjusting to indoor lighting harder and sometimes unsafe. Trouble seeing in low light, called nyctalopia, is not a disease itself but a sign that something else may be affecting your eyes. Learning what causes night vision problems and when to get help is important for keeping your vision healthy. What Are Night Vision Problems? Night vision problems mean it is hard to see clearly in low light or darkness. Some people notice their eyes take longer to adjust when going from bright to dim places. Others may have trouble with glare from headlights, seeing less contrast, or things just looking dimmer at night. Mild changes in night vision can happen as you get older, but if your symptoms keep getting worse or do not go away, you should pay attention to them. Common Causes of Night Vision Difficulties There are several potential causes of night vision problems. Night vision problems can have many causes, from getting older to certain eye conditions, such as lens problems, leading to blurred vision and increased sensitivity to glare. They are one of the most common causes of poor night vision, especially in older adults. 1. Cataracts Cataracts cause clouding of the eye’s natural lens, leading to blurred vision and increased sensitivity to glare. They are one of the most common causes of poor night vision, especially in older adults. 2. Vitamin A Deficiency Vitamin A is important for keeping your retina healthy. If you do not get enough vitamin A, your eyes may have trouble adjusting to darkness, which can lead to night blindness. 3. Glaucoma Some types of glaucoma can affect your side vision and make it harder to see differences between light and dark. As the optic nerve gets damaged, seeing in low light can become more difficult. 4. Retinitis Pigmentosa This inherited eye condition slowly affects your ability to see at night and to the sides. Early signs often include trouble seeing in the dark. 5. Diabetes-Related Eye Disease Diabetic retinopathy can harm the blood vessels in your retina, which may cause blurry vision and make it harder to see at night. 6. Aging and Pupil Changes As people get older, their pupils do not react to light changes as quickly, and the retina becomes less sensitive. This naturally makes night vision worse over time. Symptoms to Watch For Night vision problems often develop slowly. Some common signs are: Difficulty seeing in low light or darkness Trouble driving at night due to glare from headlights Longer adjustment time when moving between light and dark environments Reduced contrast or clarity in dim settings Frequent squinting or eye strain in low light If these symptoms start to affect your daily life, it is a good idea to get a full eye check-up. When to See an Eye Doctor You should see an eye doctor if you notice new night vision problems, if they are getting worse, or if you have other changes in your vision. The doctor can run tests to find out what is causing the problem and suggest the right treatment. A full eye exam might include checking your retina, testing your field of vision, and taking images to look at your eye health. Finding problems early is very important for conditions like glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, and retinal disorders, because early treatment can help protect your vision. Protecting Your Night Vision Not all causes of night vision loss can be prevented, but taking care of your eyes can lower your risk and help you see better. Some helpful steps are: Scheduling regular eye exams Handling chronic health conditions like diabetes Eating a diet rich in vitamin A and antioxidants Wearing proper corrective lenses if prescribed Avoiding driving with untreated vision changes Prioritizing Your Eye Health Night vision problems can be an early sign of eye disease. Since many eye problems develop slowly, having regular eye exams is one of the best ways to catch changes early and keep your vision healthy for the long term. If you have trouble seeing at night or notice any changes in your vision, making an appointment for an eye exam can help keep your eyes healthy and your vision clear in all types of light.
Understanding Eye Pressure: What It Means for Glaucoma Risk

Understanding Eye Pressure: What It Means for Glaucoma Risk

June 1, 2026
Understanding eye pressure, or intraocular pressure (IOP), is important for protecting your vision. IOP considerably affects the development and progression...