Cataract surgery can be appropriate after a retinal vein occlusion, but macular swelling and overall retinal health must be taken into account.
Potential advantages
Clearer optics help you make the most of remaining retinal function.
- Better vision when cataracts and vein‑occlusion changes both contribute
- Improved view for OCT and treatment such as injections or laser
- Opportunity to reduce glare and boost contrast sensitivity
- Possibility of coordinating surgery with a stable phase of macular oedema
- Use of monofocal lenses to maximise image quality
Important precautions
Close collaboration with a retinal specialist is key.
- Ensuring macular oedema is reasonably controlled before surgery
- Planning peri‑operative injections if there is a history of recurrent swelling
- Explaining that final vision is limited by retinal damage, not the lens alone
- Monitoring closely after surgery for flare‑ups of oedema
- Maintaining systemic control of blood pressure and vascular risk factors
