Is cataract surgery a risk factor for progression of macular degeneration?
OBJECTIVE
There is a suggestion of increased risk or progression of age-related macular degeneration after cataract surgery, which is related to the increased exposure of the retina to short-wavelength light.


RESULTS
Cell culture and animal work has described retinal and retinal pigment epithelium phototoxicity on acute light exposure. Clinical studies suggest that the use of short-wavelength-blocking intraocular lenses can help but may also affect visual function and circadian rhythm.


CONCLUSIONS
Evidence to date fails to prove conclusively that light alone or cataract surgery can induce or cause the progression of age-related macular degeneration. A randomized clinical study of the use of short-wavelength (blue)-blocking lenses to prove or disprove the ability of these intraocular lenses to help in preventing progression of age-related macular degeneration is needed.
Patel
Jignesh I
JI
Ophthalmology Department, Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, Australia. jigs37@hotmail.com
D000818:Animals; D002386:Cataract / Q000150:complications*; D002387:Cataract Extraction / Q000009:adverse effects*; D018450:Disease Progression; D006801:Humans; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D012307:Risk Factors