Myopic shift

[ValveJob]

I have myopic macular degeneration, and I also have cataracts (nuclear and cortical).  I have heard and read and nuclear cataracts cause a slight myopic shift.  However, in the last 15 months, my myopia has worsened by about 3 diopters!  Could this possibly be from the cataracts, or is it more likely that my eye is getting longer and the retina thinner.

Even before having cataracts, my myopia gradually got worse, but within the last couple of years, it has been at warp speed!

I will be seeing my retinal specialist in a month, but in the meantime, I would at least like to know if it is possible for a nuclear cataract to cause such a fast change.

By the way, when I saw the retinal specialist in October, he was against cataract surgery for now because of the risk of retinal detachment.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

OK  JCH MD

[ValveJob]

If it were more than a month away, I might try doing that, but since I would probably just end up getting the appointment a week or two earlier, I think I will just leave it as it is.

I keep a record in my computer of every change in prescription of my glasses.  I plan to print the page that has the last 5 changes (within 15 months) and ask him an open question like "What is causing this rapid change?"  If he says that it is probably my cataracts, at that point I will say "O.K.  What should we do about this?"

Thanks for replying again.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

If its changed that much it's likely things have changed a lot since you saw the retina MD. Might reschedule an apt. and discuss surgery.

JCHMD

[ValveJob]

Thank you for your quick reply.  At least that is a bit encouraging.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

You are misinformed. Cataracts can cause major increases in myopia. I have seen amounts of 5 to 6 diopters due just to the cataract. I can't say that is your case but it is common for this to be due to cataracts.

JCH MD