Cataract Surgery Risk & Diabetic Retinopathy

Question: I have had Type 1 Diabetes for close to 34 years and have had vitrectomy and scleral buckle on my right eye 20 years ago along with a gas/fluid exchange. The buckle is still nice and low in that eye and I also developed a cataract and had cataract surgery and a lens implant 8 years ago. I have now developed a cataract in the left eye at age 52. I have also had PRP diabetic retina laser in both eyes. Most of my peripheral vision has been lost in the right eye after the vitrectomy, so my question is, should the cataract surgery be done immediately on my left eye since my quality of life is not being impacted and I still correct to 20/20 in the left eye with full peripheral vision. Are there also greater risks to the cataract surgery now that the PRP was performed years ago? I currently see a retinal specialist and also an ophthalmologist who is a cataract surgeon.

Answer: Generally, the decision to have cataract surgery is up to the patient based on whether there is any decline in quality of life, mobility limitations or safety concerns because of diminished vision from the cataract. If you still correct to 20/20 and do not experience any limitations you can delay the cataract surgery until you judge that it is a problem. There should be no increased risks due to the PRM but your retina specialist will most likely consult with your cataract surgeon and clear the stability of retina and vitreous for surgery when it is time.

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