Eye Condition

[Boto]

Having seen MichaelZZ's question re wet AMD it has prompted me to pose this question. An elderly friend of mine is having injections for wet AMD. She also has glaucoma and cataracts. Approx 2 years ago the consultant said he would not remove the cataracts because she has pseudoexfoliation. The last time she went to the clinic she saw a different doctor and this doctor said there was no reason why my friend could not have the cataracts removed and she was put on the waiting list. After a visit to her GP (an unrelated visit) the GP said he didn't think she should have the op so she has removed her name from the waiting list. He is not an eye specialist though. I think she should have discussed everything with the specialist but she never does. She never asks any questions. She has very limited vision, has always been very short sighted. I know this is limited information but what would your advice be regarding removal of cataracts? Thank you.

[Sqad]

Again........take the advice of the Ophthalmic surgeon.
My contribution:

Cataract removal has one function and one function only....and that is to improve sight. If there are any concomitant eye conditions that also cause visual deterioration, then cataract removal will be useless.

You friend has wet AMD and glaucoma, both conditions, even with treatment with impair visual acuity and thus may negate the positive effects of cataract removal.

[Linotype]

Hi there: You have to have had a cataract op to fully realise the difference it makes ... the 20-minute procedure is worth every penny! I say this wisely, as I have had the one eye done in South Africa (where I live these days). It's costly, here, but imagine it to be a lot cheaper(?) in the UK. I'm 68 years of age, still ride a motorcycle and now I can really see the antics of idiots in 'tin boxes' now (LoL) Just one reason to be able to see clearly ...

[york310]

I would still recommend another opinion regarding the cataract surgery. If the cataracts are bad enough to cause any added disruption to the vision in conjunction to the macula issues then I personally feel surgery would be of benefit.
The cataract may be adding other symptoms other than blurred vision to this person with reduced contrast and glare being common issues. There used to be concerns that cataract surgery could increase the wet amd but the theory is no longer considered.
I feel that having the surgery will also allow the hospital to monitor the glaucoma and the wet amd better and also their effects on the vision.

The GP may be considering other health issues which may be problematic for surgery but he is not the best person to judge if surgery would be beneficial.

[Barsel]

a few weeks ago I had my eyes tested at the Opticians and was told I have cataracts and I've been referred to the eye hospital at the end of this month.The Optician told me there is a one in a hundred chance that this op is not always successful and one in a thousand you may lose the sight of that eye. This is usually if you already have other health problems. Perhaps this might be the reason the GP of your friend has said she shouldn't have it.

[janbee]

Always take the advice of the eye specialist not a GP

[Boto]

Many thanks for your replies. I will try and persuade her to discuss it with the specialist on our next visit.