Dr. Mary P. Coday is a board-certified ophthalmologist with over 20 years of experience serving the greater Seattle area. A graduate of Harvard Medical School, she specializes in cataract surgery and is passionate about offering her patients the latest advancements in intraocular lens (IOL) technology. Dr. Coday took some time to answer frequently asked questions about cataract surgery and intraocular lenses. You can watch videos of her responses at https://www.overlakeeyecare.com/overlake-eyecare-videos/ or you can find the answers you’re looking for here in our cataract surgery FAQ blog series.
Can I still get an advanced lens implant if I have macular degeneration?
Patients with eye conditions such as macular degeneration may still be suitable candidates for certain advanced technology intraocular lens (IOL) implants. Candidacy depends largely on the severity of the condition and our ability to match the lens technology to each patient’s unique visual needs and lifestyle. We also consider the potential progression of eye disease over the next five to ten years when recommending these lenses.
In general, a multifocal lens would not be favored for a patient with any significant amount of macular degeneration as it is more difficult to get satisfactory visual results with underlying macular degeneration. In some instances, an extended depth of focus lens may still be a possibility to help with distance and intermediate vision as it does not split light the same way a multifocal intraocular lens does. Light adjustable lenses may also be an option for some patients who do not have advanced disease. If your macular degeneration is advanced, a monofocal lens implant may be your best option. This could include a monofocal toric lens if your astigmatism is moderate or severe.
Macular degeneration is a common condition in the United States that causes progressive damage to the retina. A helpful way to understand this is by comparing the eye to an older camera with roll film: the eye’s natural lens is much like the camera’s lens, while the retina acts like the film. Cataracts cloud the natural lens in the same way a camera lens may be cloudy.
This creates overall blurry vision, like looking through a dirty window. Macular degeneration affects the central retina, damaging the center of the film in the camera analogy. If you have significant cataracts and minimal macular degeneration, you may have excellent visual potential with cataract surgery, and you may have a number of lens implant options available to you. If
you have mild cataracts and very advanced macular degeneration, your visual potential may be more limited, and your lens implant choices may also be more limited.
When considering lens implant options, it’s important to evaluate the entire visual system. Replacing the cloudy lens is just one part of the equation—we must ensure that the selected lens implant type matches well with the retinal condition and anticipated progression of any retinal disease over time to provide the best possible visual outcomes.
-Mary P. Coday, MD
Overlake EyeCare proudly serves patients across the eastside of Lake Washington, including Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, Issaquah, Sammamish, and surrounding zip codes (98004, 98005, 98007, 98008, 98033, 98034, 98052, 98027, 98029, and more). We also draw from
Seattle and Mercer Island. Our convenient Bellevue location makes it easy for patients throughout King County and nearby communities to receive advanced cataract surgery and Light Adjustable Lens care from our experienced team.
Schedule an appointment to see which lens will be best for you! https://www.mypatientvisit.com/onlinescheduling
