Why does vision become cloudy again after cataract surgery?
2 weeks ago
Is it true that cataracts can come back after surgery? I’ve heard about something called a ‘secondary cataract’ or PCO. What exactly is this condition, why does it occur, and how is it treated if it develops later?
Answers (1)
cataracts don’t come back after surgery since the natural cloudy lens is fully removed and replaced with a permanent artificial one that can’t develop cataracts. What you’re hearing about is posterior capsular opacification (PCO), often called a “secondary cataract”. It’s when leftover cells on the thin capsule bag holding the new lens grow and make it hazy, mimicking original symptoms like blurry vision, glare, or halos months or years later.
PCO happens because some lens cells naturally survive surgery and migrate backward, influenced by factors like your age, diabetes, or lens type (multifocals may speed it up slightly). If it develops, treatment is straightforward: a quick, painless in-office YAG laser procedure (5 minutes, no incision) creates a tiny opening in the cloudy capsule, restoring clear vision immediately with no downtime or repeat risk. Regular check-ups catch it early if needed.
Was this answer helpful?
Was this answer helpful?
Book Doctor Appointment
