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Macular Degeneration & Cataract Surgery

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Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and Cataract Surgery in London

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Carefully planned surgery when central vision needs protecting.

If you have age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and are developing cataracts, it’s understandable to feel uncertain about surgery. AMD affects the macula, which is responsible for central vision, while cataracts cloud the eye’s natural lens — and when both conditions are present, expectations and planning need to be handled carefully.

At London Cataract Centre, we regularly assess and treat patients with AMD who require cataract surgery. Our approach focuses on maximising visual clarity, protecting retinal health and setting realistic expectations, all through consultant-led care.

How AMD Affects Cataract Surgery Outcomes

Cataract surgery does not treat macular degeneration, but it can still play an important role. By removing the cataract, light reaches the retina more clearly, which can improve brightness, contrast and overall visual quality.

However, the degree of visual improvement depends on the severity and type of AMD. This is why careful assessment is essential before deciding whether cataract surgery is likely to be beneficial.

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Dry AMD vs Wet AMD: Why the Difference Matters

There are two main forms of AMD, and each influences surgical planning differently:

Dry AMD tends to progress slowly and may still allow meaningful visual improvement after cataract surgery.
Wet AMD involves abnormal blood vessel growth and usually requires ongoing retinal treatment, such as injections.

Understanding which type you have — and how active it is — helps guide both timing and expectations for cataract surgery.

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The Importance of Retinal and Macular Assessment

Before recommending cataract surgery, your consultant will carefully assess the macula. This allows us to distinguish how much of your vision loss is due to the cataract versus AMD.

Your assessment may include:

OCT imaging of the macula
Review of any retinal treatments
Assessment of AMD stability
Discussion of realistic visual improvement

This ensures decisions are based on retinal health, not assumptions.

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Procedures

Consultants

Lens Choice in Patients with AMD

Lens selection in patients with macular degeneration is approached conservatively. The priority is to preserve contrast sensitivity and visual quality.

Depending on your retinal health, suitable options may include:

Monofocal lenses, often preferred for clarity and contrast
Toric lenses if astigmatism is present
EDOF lenses in carefully selected cases

Multifocal lenses are generally avoided in patients with AMD, as they can reduce contrast and make central vision issues more noticeable. Your consultant will explain which options are appropriate and why.

Timing Cataract Surgery with AMD

In patients with stable AMD, cataract surgery can usually be performed safely. If AMD is active — particularly in wet AMD — surgery may be timed around retinal treatment to minimise risk.

Your consultant will consider:

Stability of macular disease
Recent changes in vision
Ongoing retinal injections or monitoring
Overall visual benefit versus risk

The goal is to intervene at the safest and most beneficial point.

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Consultant-Led Care

Mr Tariq Ayoub

Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon

Mr Tariq Ayoub is an experienced cataract and refractive surgeon with a strong focus on outcome predictability in patients with macular conditions. He regularly treats patients with both cataracts and AMD, tailoring lens selection and timing to preserve contrast sensitivity and visual function. His calm, structured approach helps patients understand what cataract surgery can — and cannot — improve when macular disease is present.

Mr Samer Hamada

Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon

Mr Samer Hamada is a highly experienced cataract and corneal surgeon with extensive expertise in managing cataract surgery in patients with age-related macular degeneration. He takes a careful, retinal-aware approach to surgical planning, focusing on maximising visual clarity while protecting macular health. Patients value his honest explanations and realistic guidance when balancing cataract removal with underlying retinal disease.

What to Expect from the Consultation

Consultant-Led Assessment

You’ll be seen directly by a cataract specialist experienced in managing patients with macular disease.

Advanced Retinal Imaging

Detailed OCT scans help assess macular structure and disease activity.

Clear Discussion of Expectations

Your consultant will explain what cataract surgery can and cannot improve.

Personalised Surgical Planning

Every decision is tailored to your eye health, AMD status and daily visual needs.

Benefits of Specialist AMD-Aware Cataract Care

Improved brightness and contrast where appropriate
Avoidance of unsuitable lens choices
Reduced risk of post-operative disappointment
Honest guidance on visual potential
Consultant oversight throughout the process

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Why Choose London Cataract Centre?

Dedicated cataract-only clinic

Focused expertise in lens and cataract surgery

Experience with retinal patients

Regular management of AMD-related cases

Advanced macular diagnostics

OCT-led planning for safe decisions

Consultant-led care

No handovers, no rushed assessments

Honest, pressure-free advice

Clear explanation of benefits and limitations

Outstanding safety record

Outcomes consistently exceed national benchmarks

Frequently Asked Questions

Is cataract surgery safe if I have macular degeneration?

Yes, cataract surgery is generally safe for patients with macular degeneration. Careful retinal assessment is essential before surgery to ensure it is appropriate. Your consultant will advise whether cataract surgery is likely to benefit your vision alongside macular degeneration.

Will cataract surgery improve my vision if I have macular degeneration?

Cataract surgery can improve brightness, clarity and contrast in eyes affected by macular degeneration. However, it cannot restore vision that has already been lost due to macular damage. The degree of improvement depends on the type and severity of macular degeneration.

Can cataract surgery make macular degeneration worse?

Current evidence does not show that cataract surgery accelerates macular degeneration. Ongoing monitoring of the macula is still important after surgery. Your consultant will ensure retinal health is carefully followed.

Are multifocal lenses suitable for patients with macular degeneration?

Multifocal lenses are usually not recommended for patients with macular degeneration. They can reduce contrast sensitivity, which may worsen visual quality in macular disease. Safer lens options will be discussed during your consultation.

Is recovery different if I have macular degeneration?

Recovery from cataract surgery is usually similar for patients with and without macular degeneration. Visual improvement may be limited by the underlying macular condition rather than the surgery itself. Your consultant will explain what to expect during recovery.

Book a Consultation for AMD and Cataract Surgery

If you have age-related macular degeneration and are considering cataract surgery, specialist advice is essential.

At London Cataract Centre, we focus on clarity, safety and realistic outcomes — helping you decide whether surgery is right for your eyes.

Contact us today to arrange your consultation.

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Insurance Options for Your Eye Care Needs

At London Cataract Centre, we believe that exceptional eye care should be accessible to all. We are happy to accept a range of insurance plans to ensure your journey toward optimal eye health is as seamless as possible. Our dedicated team is here to assist you in navigating the insurance process, so you can focus on what truly matters – your vision and well-being.

Affiliations and Memberships

Our surgeons are proud to be associated with the following organisations

Testimonials

A very friendly experience from beginning to end. The staff were great and the consultant Mr Hamada was excellent at easing any fears I had. Surgery was painless and quick, staff were very reassuring. Would certainly recommend this clinic to anyone who has cataracts and decides on RLE treatment.

Ruth Thomas

Cataract Surgery - Both Eyes

Just had my lens surgery with Dr Hamada. I was very nervous on the day of surgery as I was having both my eyes done on the same day. But there was no need it went very smoothly and very happy with my new eyes.

HK

RLE Surgery - Both Eyes

All I can say is WOW, WOW WOW. I am writing this overwhelming endorsement 48 hours after having RLE in both eyes, pain-free with better than 20/20 vision. For those of you doing your research, I can absolutely confirm the RLE procedure is pain-free in Mr Samer Hamada’s miracle hands… THANK YOU SO MUCH…

John Sugrue

Lens Surgery - Both Eyes

Technology Partners

London Cataract Centre has partnered with the world’s leading ophthalmic technology companies to bring you the very best in surgical equipment, such as the Carl Zeiss Lumera microscope, a gold-standard scope in our speciality.

Our Location

Address: 29a Wimpole Street, London, W1G 8GP

The London Cataract Centre is situated at 29a Wimpole Street, in the heart of Marylebone's renowned Harley Medical District. Our prime location ensures convenient access for patients seeking exceptional eye care, whether you're traveling from within London, across the UK, or internationally.

For those using public transport, the clinic is just a 7-minute walk from Bond Street Station or a 10-minute walk from Oxford Circus and Baker Street stations. Additionally, street parking is available for those arriving by car, making your visit hassle-free.