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Cataract Surgery Linked to Slightly Higher AMD Risk

Adults with dry age-related macular degeneration should discuss the potential progression risk with their ophthalmologist.

Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Stroke

Gouache-painted illustration of a stylized anatomical eye model, representing clinical research on retinal health progression.
A study of 80,000 eyes indicates that cataract surgery may be associated with a modest increase in the risk of progression to neovascular age-related macular degeneration. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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A study of 80,000 eyes found an increased risk of progressing from dry to neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nvAMD) following cataract surgery. The finding suggests that patients aged 55 or older with early or intermediate dry macular degeneration may face a modest shift in risk during the first year after their procedure.

Why it matters

Understanding this association helps patients and clinicians weigh the timing and necessity of cataract surgery against potential shifts in retinal health. Researchers believe the link may be tied to more frequent monitoring after surgery, which could lead to earlier detection of existing disease progression.

In a propensity-matched analysis of 80,000 eyes from the American Academy of Ophthalmology IRIS registry, investigators identified a hazard ratio of 1.22 for nvAMD conversion following cataract surgery. This effect was strongest within the first year and became nonsignificant after four years.

The players

American Academy of Ophthalmology

A professional medical association for eye physicians and surgeons that maintains the IRIS clinical registry used for ophthalmology research.

The details

The analysis tracked progression in patients aged 55 or older who had early or intermediate dry macular degeneration. Investigators utilized a time-varying analysis to compare two groups of 40,053 eyes, observing that the association between the procedure and nvAMD conversion was most pronounced shortly after surgery. The absolute difference in conversion rates between the surgery and non-surgery groups remained below 3% after six years of follow-up.

Timeline

  1. Data were collected from January 2016 through December 2022.

  2. The risk of conversion was strongest during the first year after cataract surgery.

  3. The association became statistically nonsignificant four years after surgery.

  4. The cumulative incidence was assessed six years after surgery.

Health Landscape

This research adds to the ongoing clinical evaluation of cataract surgery outcomes within the American Academy of Ophthalmology IRIS registry. It highlights how large-scale longitudinal tracking helps refine expectations for patients managing dry macular degeneration.

If you have early or intermediate dry macular degeneration, ask your ophthalmologist about how cataract surgery might affect your specific progression risk. Patients should prioritize consistent follow-up appointments, as heightened monitoring may account for some of the earlier detection of nvAMD.

The takeaway

While cataract surgery is a common and effective procedure, this data suggests a potential for increased early monitoring of retinal health in specific patient groups. Maintain a regular schedule of eye exams and discuss any changes in vision or specific macular degeneration status with your physician.

Further reading

For more on managing long-term eye health and recovery, see Stroke.

Source note: This article includes information reported by MedPage Today.

Live Poll

Do you believe patients should schedule more frequent eye exams following cataract surgery?