Many people living with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) also develop cataracts as they age. For many who have both cataracts and AMD, surgery can improve vision in both dry and wet (neovascular) forms of AMD. These are the results of a recent study, and the benefits are seen across all stages of AMD, whether early, intermediate, or late. Though there’s no underlying cause linking AMD and cataracts, both conditions cause vision loss and make daily tasks more challenging.

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People with AMD may wonder whether they should expect significant vision improvement from cataract surgery — or if surgery might make AMD worse. The new research builds on past research showing cataract surgery does not appear to worsen AMD for most people, though the surgery does come with risks. It also offers some reassurance and practical guidance for people navigating these overlapping eye conditions.

What Are Cataracts?

A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, leading to blurred or dim vision. Cataracts are common with aging and are a leading cause of vision loss worldwide. Cataract surgery removes the cloudy lens and replaces it with a clear artificial lens, aiming to restore sharper vision.

Unlike cataracts, AMD affects the macula, the part of the retina responsible for central vision.

About the Study

For the study, researchers reviewed medical records from 418 people with either dry AMD (333 people) or wet AMD (85 people) who had cataract surgery between 2018 and 2023. Participants were followed for an average of about 19 months after surgery.

The main goal was to see if best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA, a measure of how well someone can see with glasses or contacts) improved after surgery. Researchers also tracked the need for anti-VEGF injections, a common treatment for wet AMD.

Among the key findings:

• Among those with wet AMD, 73 percent saw improvements in BCVA, 16 percent stayed the same, and 11 percent worsened.
• For those with dry AMD, 80 percent had BCVA improvements, 12 percent stayed the same, and 6 percent worsened.
• Even people with advanced (late-stage) dry AMD or active wet AMD experienced vision improvements.
• Improvements lasted beyond the final follow-up (on average, more than a year later).
• Those with wet AMD who underwent cataract surgery didn’t need more anti-VEGF injections than before to control their AMD.

In terms of side effects, some people had a short-term increase in retinal thickness and macular volume (the amount of fluid or swelling in the center of the retina). These changes usually returned to normal within six months.

Researchers identified no major infections. A condition called Irvine-Gass syndrome (cystoid macular edema, a type of swelling) happened in about 6 percent of cases but didn’t lead to long-term vision loss.

What This Means for People With AMD and Cataracts

The study’s results support the idea that many people living with AMD — including those with more advanced or “wet” forms — may benefit from cataract surgery without worsening their AMD. Cataract removal helped most people see better and did not increase their need for additional AMD treatments.

This is important because improved vision can enhance independence and quality of life. For those who depend on treatments like anti-VEGF injections, the study shows cataract surgery does not add to the treatment burden for most people.

Still, cataract surgery does come with risks, such as infection, swelling, or rare complications. Additionally, not everyone who has cataract surgery — whether or not they have AMD — sees improvements, and some people experience a decline in vision.

Ultimately, deciding on cataract surgery with AMD is personal. An ophthalmologist who understands details of your eye health can help you weigh the benefits and risks of cataract surgery.

Learn about five treatments for AMD, including injections, laser therapy, and newer approaches.

Join the Conversation

On myAMDteam, people share their experiences with age-related macular degeneration, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

Have you or a loved one had cataract surgery while living with AMD? Let others know in the comments below.