What is secondary cataract and can it occur after surgery?
3 weeks ago
I’ve heard that cataracts can develop again even after surgery if the lens becomes cloudy. Is there any way to prevent this, and how is it treated if cloudiness returns months or years later?
Answers (1)
Cataracts themselves do not grow back after surgery because the cloudy natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial one, which does not develop a new cataract. What people often describe as “cataract coming back” is usually a condition called posterior capsular opacification (PCO), sometimes called a “secondary cataract,” where the thin membrane holding the lens becomes cloudy months or years later and causes similar symptoms like blurred vision and glare.
There is no sure way to completely prevent this membrane from ever becoming cloudy, but if it happens, the treatment is simple and quick. An eye doctor can perform a painless outpatient laser procedure (YAG capsulotomy) that opens up the cloudy membrane, usually restoring clear vision within minutes to days, and this typically does not need to be repeated.
Was this answer helpful?
Was this answer helpful?
Book Doctor Appointment
