Though more than half of all Americans will have a cataract — or will have had cataract surgery — by the time they are 80, age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, is the leading cause of vision loss and legal blindness in American adults over 60.(1) However, both cataracts and AMD are usually age-related conditions, and if you have been diagnosed with either condition, there are some things you should know.

What is AMD?

AMD occurs when the macula, the centermost part of the retina, begins to degenerate. The macula allows us to see fine detail, and when AMD develops, our sharp, central (looking straight ahead) vision necessary for reading, driving, identifying faces, and walking up stairs is affected. AMD occurs in two forms — dry AMD and wet AMD — with wet AMD being the more serious form.(1)

What Causes AMD?

AMD is thought to be caused, in part, by exposure over time to high-energy blue light, which is a component of both sunlight and many light sources in our everyday environment, including fluorescent lighting and video and computer monitors.

Can Cataracts Cause AMD?

Cataracts cannot cause age-related macular degeneration.

Can AMD Cause Cataracts?

AMD cannot cause cataracts.

Things to Consider in Cataract Treatment

As we age, the lens of our eye gradually yellows as a defense against this blue light, yellow being the color that naturally filters blue. However, when the natural, yellowed lens of our eye is removed, we lose part of our natural ability to filter blue light and thus part of our natural defense against AMD. If you are about to undergo cataract surgery, discuss the treatment option of a blue-light filtering IOL with your doctor.

If you already have AMD and have been diagnosed with cataracts, though your vision is damaged, there are two reasons your doctor may proceed with cataract treatment: replacing your natural lens with an IOL that filters blue light and removal and replacement of your cloudy natural lens can make it easier for your doctor to treat AMD.

For additional information on age-related macular generation, visit the American Macular Degeneration Foundation.