Study Finds Cataract Surgery May Help AMD Patients

A new study conducted by the U.S. National Eye Institute has found that patients suffering from age-related macular degeneration (AMD) may benefit from cataract surgery. The study, which was published in the journal Ophthalmology, examined 1,939 cases of patients at various stages of AMD.

While earlier research suggested that cataract surgery might negatively impact AMD patients, this study actually proved the opposite may be true. The vast majority of age-related macular degeneration patients who received cataract surgery as part of this study benefitted from improved visual acuity. Furthermore, these improvements were found in patients with both mild and advanced cases of AMD.

Cataract surgery was also found to benefit patients with both wet and dry forms of AMD. These visual improvements have lasted for at least one year after surgery.

Age-related macular degeneration is a condition affecting approximately 2% of people age 50, but by age 85, more than 20% of the population will develop this condition. AMD results in a loss of central vision and is one of the leading causes of age-related blindness.

Please contact The LASIK Directory today to find a qualified ophthalmologist in your area.