Robin Ali: Cataracts are very common in patients with RP and that’s probably because their retina is thinner and there’s less oxygen consumption. That extra oxygen generates free radicals and damages the lens. In general there’s no downside to having the cataract removed. It’s very important for individuals to seek appropriate consultation with an ophthalmologist.

Sunil - Cataract operations are a one-off procedure. A cataract can’t come back in itself. Even children who are born with cataracts, once they’ve had their cataract operations done they’d expect to live without a cataract for the next 80 years. The only thing that can happen is you can get some clouding of the membrane holding the implant. Some people call that an after cataract but that can easily be laser away without the need of another operation.