Retinal Detachment Risk after Cataract Surgery

Question: I am concerned about my risk of retinal detachment after cataract surgery. I am 75 years old, myopic, 75 yrs old and had retinal tears in each eye 13 years ago. What is the chance of retinal detachment after cataract surgery?? I am not ready to have cataract surgery yet but it is causing many sleepless nights    

Answer: If it has been 13 years since the repair of your retinal tears-and they were treated with a laser at that time-one would assume that they have been well sealed and the retinas are stable and well attached. To confirm this you should have a consultation with your retinal specialist prior to your cataract surgery who can then clear you for the cataract operation. Once these precautions have been taken, it is likely that with an experienced Cataract Surgeon performing your procedure you will have a safe and predictable outcome.

Important Note: The information presented on the About Cataract Surgery Blog or provided in response to a request for information in the Ask Cataract Surgeons section on aboutcataractsurgery.com is not intended to diagnose or treat eye problems, eye conditions or eye diseases including appropriateness of treatment, risks, complications or side effects as related to Cataracts, Cataract Surgery or Lens Implants. In particular a response to an inquiry made on the Ask Cataract Surgeons section of aboutcataractsurgery.com is not meant to take the place of the professional medical care provided by your eye doctor, ophthalmologist and Cataract Surgeon. Contacting us via e-mail or any other means is not a substitute for medical care.