Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Odds of retinal detachment after cataract surgery

I am 55 years old and have a cataract in the right eye only.  I am planning to have cataract surgery on the right eye.  I am fairly nearsighted, but I am not planning to have surgery on the left eye at this time (not until a cataract actually develops in that eye).  Surgery is not needed on the left eye and my opthamologist told me that cataract surgery plus nearsightedness increases the chance of a retinal detachment.

Can you comment?  What are the chances that I would/could develop a retinal detachment after cataract surgery? Why do both near-sightedness and cataract surgery increase the odds of a retinal detachment?
4 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
233488 tn?1310693103
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Cataract surgery even successful surgery, even small incision phacoemulsification and stitchless  increases the risk of retinal detachment in EVERYONE due to shifts in the vitreous with the human lens gone and an IOL in the eye.

In the general population the risk of a retinal detachment is as low as one in 8 to 10 thousand. In cataract patients the risk is perhaps one in 500 to a 1000. In some patients such as highly myopic, those with complicated IOL surgery, family history of RD the risk can be as high as 2-6%

JCH MD
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
After having cataract surgery and loosing the sight in my eye due to complications; I would suggest routine visits to a retinal specialist as well if you're in a high risk group.
Helpful - 0
233488 tn?1310693103
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
-

Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
A related discussion, RD risk and cataract surgery was started.
Helpful - 0

You are reading content posted in the Eye Care Forum

Popular Resources
Find out how beta-blocker eye drops show promising results for acute migraine relief.
Eye whitening, iris color change, and eyeball "bling." Eye expert Dr. John Hagan warns of the dangers from these unnecessary surgeries.
Eye expert John Hagan, MD, FACS, FAAO discusses factors to consider and discuss with your eye care team before embarking on cataract surgery.
Is treating glaucoma with marijuana all hype, or can hemp actually help?
Protect against the leading cause of blindness in older adults
Got dry eyes? Eye drops aren't the only option! Ophthalmologist John C. Hagan III, MD explains other possible treatments.