Development of exudative age-related macular degeneration after cataract surgery

The macular status of patients with findings consistent with early dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) who underwent an extracapsular cataract extraction with intraocular lens implantation was evaluated by fundoscopy and fluorescein angiography pre-operatively and during the first post-operative year. Five patients who developed the exudative form of AMD, and who represent the problems arising when treating patients with AMD and cataract, are described. Patients who received laser photocoagulation responded with recurrent choroidal neovascularisation. We suggest that patients with signs of age-related changes scheduled for cataract surgery should undergo a thorough pre- and post-operative assessment of their retinal status.