But because the cataract is interferring with vision, the patient may not be aware of the central vision changes. The cataract also prevents the doctor from seeing through to the back of the eye and noting any AMD changes taking place. You should discuss this issue thoroughly with your surgeon as each individual case is unique. I have had dry AMD for years. The course of development for macular degeneration is different in each person.
Some people have only the dry form for decades and never develop the wet form.
However, if you have the dry form, or have AMD in one eye, your risk is definitely higher for getting AMD in the other eye and for developing the wet form. This is why it is so important to use the Amsler Grid daily to check for any changes that may occur. There is clearly a genetic component - and your risk of AMD is higher if there are other family members who have it. We don't fully understand how this works. Much of the research is focused on identifying the gene or genes of AMD and figuring out why some people get it and others don't.