Can you have cataract surgery with posterior vitreous detachment (PVD),and floaters ?

Thanks for sharing your question. Yes, it is common to have cataract surgery with a PVD. If the patient does not have one prior to surgery it is not uncommon to get one after the surgery. Good luck!

Dear Deedee59,Being very nearsighted (usually with an eyeglasses prescription of -6 Diopters or higher) and having a vitreous detachment do slightly increase your risk of a retinal tear or detachment after cataract surgery. It is important that you have a thorough dilated fundus exam before surgery, which is standard of care. You will likely notice the floaters even more immediately after cataract surgery since more light will be coming into the eye through the new, clear lens. These tend to get better with time. I hope this helps!

I would say the risk of retinal detachment is slightly lower because the vitreous is less attached to the retina.
Mr Samer HamadaMedical Director of Eye Clinic London and London Cataract CentreLondon, UK

There is a small increased risk of retinal detachment when you are over minus 5 or so. However, having the PVD already lowers that risk. If you are bothered by the cataract, you can't avoid surgery but will need dilated exams for the rest of your life (surgery or not) to check for tears.Some patients say the floaters are more bothersome if you have a multifocal lens so research that choice.Best of luck to you.

If the vitreous has completely separate from the retina (a complete PVD) the risk of complications from cataract surgery is probably not increased at all, as the retina is unlikely to tear if the vitreous is not sticking or pulling on the retina.  Changes in floaters are fairly unpredictable -- some people notice their floaters more because there's no cataract to block the view.  Other people notice floaters less because everything is brighter and clearer.