You did not say what your specific retinal problems are. If you are highly myopic (nearsighted), there is an increased risk of retinal tear/detachment after cataract surgery. This risk applies to anyone who has cataract surgery, but is higher in those who are very nearsighted. I would consult with an expert cataract surgeon in your area, and have the cataract surgeon discuss this with your retina specialist. You probably will be able to undergo cataract surgery. The vision which can be achieved after the cataract surgery will be dictated by the condition of your retina and macula (center of the retina).
Well, I have 3 different cataracts in my left eye and 2 different cataracts in my right eye, Degenerative Myopia, 6 retinal holes (3 in each eye), Retinoschisis, Cystoid Macular Edema (which has not responded to treatment and they don't know why) and Cystoid Macular Degeneration. Currently my best corrected VA in my left eye is 20/350 and my right eye is 20/400, legal blindness. They believe genetics are the cause of these problems so I am seeing a Genetic retinal specialist in a few days. They don't know what the future holds and they do believe my vision will get worse over time but maybe not to much worse. Therefore, they are going to leave them in for the foreseeable future. I'm sure at some point they will consult with the Cataract specialist in the practice about the surgery but for now they are trying to find out what is going on.