Retinal Detachment after Cataract Surgery

[blueline9876]

Recently I had vitrectomy surgery in both eyes due to acute Retinal Detachment (RD). Have recovered and sight is restored to pre-surgery levels. A couple of years ago, I had a cataract surgery in my right eye and have an implant. Wear a contact lens in my left eye. Need reading glasses as well. My cataract in the left eye is progressive and since I will need a cataract surgery and an implant at some point in the future, my question is: How risky is it i.e. with repect to an RD reoccuring after catarct surgery? Can it cause an RD in both eyes? Would it be better not to go for a cataract surgery for as long as possible? Moreover, can an RD happen again even without a cataract surgery?      

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

A cataract can become to hard at which time the risk of surgery start increasing so it should not be left in the eye after "brownescence" develops (turns hard yellow brown). You sugeon can advise you on the stage of the cataract.

JCH MD

[blueline9876]

Thanks.
Therefore my understanding is that it is advisable to continue as is i.e. contact lens in left eye for as long as possible. In other words, lesser vision quality should be accomodated and accepted because on the other hand, a cataract removal increases the risk of an RD. That brings another concern - What if I simply let the cataract run its course and deteriorate? I guess vision will become nil in left eye. Is that harmful in any other way? Also, I am wondering, can an implant in my right eye also develop a catarct?        

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

Yes an RD can reoccur with or with out surgery. Surgery will increase the risk of RD. When you get to the point that you think you need a cataract removed see your retina surgeon for a retina exam and to discuss the surgery and post operative exams you should have to look for RD.

JCH MD