Older research had indicated that a patient with dry AMD had a greater risk of advancing to wet AMD after cataract extraction.  Looking at that data now, experts feel that the research was perhaps not as well constructed as they would like. The also feel that some of the results may have been due to the older methods used to remove the cataract and perhaps to greater exposure to UV radiation from the sun. Current techniques are less agressive and today's intraocular implants filter UV sunlight.

Once again, we are getting data from the AREDS research(Age-related Eye Disease Study).  This is the study at the National Eye Institute that resulted in vitamin supplementation therapy for AMD. 

The patients participating in the AREDS research  have been followed now for years and are checked for a variety of issues, including macular degeneration and cataracts. 

This year, they looked at patient who had cataract extraction and compared them to those who had not had cataract removed.  There are over 4500 AREDS participants.  Their eyes were examined every six months for over 5 years.  The researchers looked at eyes without advanced AMD and compared the ones who did not have surgery with those who did have surgery.  There was no consistent pattern of accelerated AMD progression after the surgery. According to Emily Chew, MD of the National Eye Institute, "These data may provide some reassurance to patients with AMD who are considering cataract surgery." 

A smaller study in Germany likewise showed no statistical risk among 700 patients. 

A Swedish study of 425 people looked at the quality of life, in addition to the AMD risk.  Ninety of the patients had AMD, while the rest did not.  The researchers reported that there was significant improvement in the ability of the AMD patients to perform various daily activities.  The patients' satisfaction with vision also improved following surgery. 

There are risks to any surgery.  You and the doctor need to weigh the risks and benefits for your particular case.  If you have an active case of wet AMD, he/she will certainly delay the surgery until your eye is stable.  Otherwise,  most patients with AMD can undergo the surgery without it triggering progression.  The benefit is that the surgery will allow more light to enter your eye and may improve your perception of vision enough to help with your daily living.