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Is cataract surgery a risk factor for progression of macular degeneration?
1Ophthalmology Department, Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, Australia. jigs37@hotmail.com
Purpose Of Review:
There is a suggestion of increased risk or progression of age-related macular degeneration after cataract surgery, which is related to the increased exposure of the retina to short-wavelength light.
Recent Findings:
Cell culture and animal work has described retinal and retinal pigment epithelium phototoxicity on acute light exposure. Clinical studies suggest that the use of short-wavelength-blocking intraocular lenses can help but may also affect visual function and circadian rhythm.
Summary:
Evidence to date fails to prove conclusively that light alone or cataract surgery can induce or cause the progression of age-related macular degeneration. A randomized clinical study of the use of short-wavelength (blue)-blocking lenses to prove or disprove the ability of these intraocular lenses to help in preventing progression of age-related macular degeneration is needed.
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