Grade 2 Cataracts and Wet AMD

By Nick

1 min read

I was just told on top of wet AMD, I have cataracts on both lenses. My doctor told me it is graded numerically 1 to 4, and told me I am at 2.

Has anybody else out there experienced this? I sure could use some input on the decision to have the surgery now or put it off...or maybe even not at all.

Do you have cataracts with macular degeneration?

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Brown Eyed Girl Moderator
<inline-mention username="Nick" user-id="4133285"/> I have cataracts too, although my amd is dry. I haven't asked what stage they're at, but I've had them for a number of years. Has your doctor indicated they want to remove yours? My doctor asks me if they are worrying me, and when I say "no" she moves on. My only personal experience with this is that my mother's doctor was reluctant to remove her cataracts(with dry amd) until it was absolutely necessary. Our editorial team wrote an article on this topic and I'm attaching a link. Best wishes to you, Wendy, Advocate. <a href='https://maculardegeneration.net/clinical/cataract-surgery' target='_blank'>https://maculardegeneration.net/clinical/cataract-surgery</a>
Nick Member
Doc Brown only said, When I am ready for the surgery, he will refer me to one he knows is the best, So I took that to mean when it gets too clouded to see, it's time.
1. Brown Eyed Girl Moderator
 <inline-mention username="Nick" user-id="4133285"/> yes, that sounds like what he means. It's comforting to know that our doctors only want to refer us to the best of the other specialists. We do our own research, but I also feel I have to trust my doctor's opinion to a large extent. Best wishes, Wendy, Advocate.
Linda Hoopes Moderator
They discovered my dry AMD shortly after I had cataract surgery on both eyes. I waited to have the cataracts removed until Medicare would cover the surgery at age 65. My ophthalmologist & Retina Specialist didn’t seem to feel the cataracts affected the AMD either way. Linda Hoopes, Advocate
Nick Member
Good to know Linda. So far at grade 2, I can see fine...like looking at the world thru a mild sandstorm. I know nobody has a crystal ball, but I wonder if the effort, expense, and discomfort of cataract surgery is worth it if I lose my vision anyway
1. Brown Eyed Girl Moderator
 <inline-mention username="Nick" user-id="4133285"/> one thing to remember in the overall situation is that peripheral vision is usually retained in macular degeneration. Also, with this condition, we need as much light as possible. I don't know what decision I'll make when my cataracts are ready to be removed, but I keep these two points in mind. Best wishes, Wendy, Advocate.
Nick Member
Wendy, thanks for the reminder on peripheral vision. I can't imagine not having central vision, but others do everyday. I keep hoping that I will be one of the lucky ones where the disease stays in remission. I dream of the day where AMD has a cure for all of us. Heck 15 years ago, they didn't even have the injections.
1. Brown Eyed Girl Moderator
 I hope you turn out to be one of the lucky ones, too. I hope all of us have some luck along the way. They seem to be ramping up the research now, which is a good thing. Best wishes, Wendy, Advocate.