Should I wait on cataract surgery?

In 2006, I had cataract surgery on my left eye; soon thereafter, my retinopathy worsened, eventually leading to a vitrectomy.  (I have had Type 1 diabetes for 42 years and am 63 years old.)  Now a cataract in my right eye has reduced my vision to 20/50, and I have many annoying floaters. I realize that the floaters may be more visible after cataract surgery.  (The left eye is almost 20/20).  Since I am able to cope (teach full time), I wonder if I should risk having cataract surgery now or try to wait another year.  My fear is that the cataract surgery will exacerbate my retinopathy.  Thanks for any advice you can provide. Also, should I ask my surgeon about Avastin or similar products?  

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

I would make sure your diabetes is in good control before surgery.  HgA1c should be below 7.0 and preferably below 6.5.  Get a flourescein angiogram before surgery to check the retina and have appropriate treatment before cataract surgery.  Also, continue  topical steroids and NSAID for two months or more (for late CME).

Dr. O.