Switching Doctors: AMD Injections & Cataract Surgery Concerns
I recently changed ophthalmologists after my original one, who diagnosed me with dry AMD over 10 years ago, recommended injections for the geographic atrophy in my left eye. One of my concerns was that these injections could potentially cause the eye to progress to wet AMD. When I expressed that I didn’t want more injections, especially since it’s such a new treatment, my previous doctor wasn’t very pleasant about it. I had already been receiving injections for wet AMD in my right eye for a couple of years.
My new ophthalmologist, however, said I no longer needed injections in my right eye and hasn’t administered any during my last two appointments, which were six months apart. On top of that, my optometrist recommended that I have my cataracts removed. I’m worried that having the cataract surgery might worsen my AMD or geographic atrophy, though my doctor has reassured me it won’t.
I’d love to hear from anyone who has been through this and whether they felt cataract surgery made their AMD or geographic atrophy worse. Thank you!
strictly speaking for myself, would want my ophthalmologist or retinal specialist to help me decide whether to have the cataracts removed at this time rather than an optometrist. Are they doing scans routinely to watch for progression of the geographic atrophy? Vision loss due to GA can not be regained. I am getting my 5th injection of Izervay for GA today. So far I am doing well with treatment. Good luck making these important decisions. Regards, Sharon Moore patient leader 
I started Izervay injections awhile back. I get them every 6 weeks. My left eye is not responding so I have stopped treatment in that eye, but are continuing in my right eye. I have had 3 injections and get my 4th one this week. My retinal specialist is very good. I feel blessed. He's compassionate and provides me with the information I need to make a wise decision. My cataracts aren't bad enough yet to have them removed. I'm only 65, so according to him, I'm on the "younger" side to have GA. Blessings. thank you for sharing your experience with treatment for GA. These injections are so new some people and doctors are still on the fence about the new treatment. It’s good to hear from others undergoing treatment. I have been on Izervay since last December getting injections every 8 weeks. I am blessed they are working well for me. Some people have reported their doctor switched medication if one fails to work. Best of luck, Sharon Moore patient leader
I completely understand your worries, switching doctors and adjusting treatments can feel overwhelming, especially with AMD. It's great that your new ophthalmologist carefully monitors your condition without pushing more injections. Cataract surgery is a common recommendation, and many people with AMD find it helps their overall vision without worsening their condition. Trust in your doctor’s guidance and, if possible, speak to other AMD patients about their experiences.
I am wishing you the best in this next phase of treatment!
thank you for your encouraging words of support for . It helps so much to hear from someone with your knowledge. Warm regards, Sharon Moore patient leader
Thank you both for responding and giving me some comfort . I take something called PreservVision Areds and have just lumbered through listening to this thing on Facebook called Sightcare supposedly another eye supplement that helps the health of your eyes. I’m always suspicious of these things but I did listen. Thank you for your response on this one!
it’s wise to check out supplements making claims to cure macular degeneration or replace injections for wet macular degeneration. The Areds2 supplement has gone through studies to prove it’s effective. Warm regards, Sharon Moore patient leader 
I've lumbered through a few long presentations like that. They seem to go on and on. I usually think "Why do they have to say so much if it is so good?" I stick to my supplements that conform to the AREDS2 formula. It's good to share information and ideas with others. I've learnt a lot from this community. Thanks for your involvement. Warmly, Wendy, Patient Leader.
