Have you recently undergone cataract surgery and noticed a change in your vision? You are not alone. Many patients fear whether their cataracts can return after surgery. Let’s cover everything about this common issue and the facts about post-surgical vision changes.
Usually, a cataract takes place when your eye’s natural lens turns cloudy and leads to blurred vision and different visual problems. This clouded lens is removed and changed during cataract surgery with a clean artificial intraocular lens (IOL).
One should opt for the best eye surgeon to guide you through this life-changing process. But what happens after surgery, and can cataracts actually reccur?
Secondary cataracts are not actually cataracts in any respect. During your original cataract surgery, the surgeon places the synthetic lens inside a thin, clear membrane called the posterior capsule. Over time, this tablet can become cloudy due to the growth of cells. Development of that condition seems to be a new cataract, but it is called a secondary cataract. People feel it’s the same because the symptoms of secondary cataracts feel similar to your original cataracts, but the underlying causes are totally different.
Development of secondary cataracts may be slow, with the following symptoms:
These signs and symptoms usually increase months or even years after a successful cataract surgery. Regular monitoring with the best cataract surgeon in Mumbai can assist detect those changes early.
1. Medical History Review
Diagnose secondary cataracts begins with an intensive review of your medical history. Eye specialists will inquire about your past vision issues, previous surgeries, and any existing condition such as diabetes or inflammation, which would possibly be a reason to increase the posterior pill opacification (PCO). Understanding your medical history facilitates surgeons to diagnose accurately.
2. Comprehensive Eye Examination
This is the visual acuity exam that tests your ability to see clearly at different distances. This will help surgeons to determine the level of cloudiness and its impact on your vision.
Using a specialized microscope, the slit-lamp examination allows your eye doctor to closely examine your eye, especially the posterior capsule.
Doctors can see more clearly into your retina by dilating your pupils, ensuring no other eye conditions are contributing to vision issues.
3. Advanced Imaging Techniques
This non-invasive imaging test creates cross-sectional images of your eye showing changes in the posterior capsule.
This method lets high-frequency sound waves build up a detailed picture of internal eye systems to assist in a particular diagnosis.
Photos of the back of your eye record changes over time, so a visual record is available to follow the course of PCO.
True cataract recurrence is virtually impossible. During cataract surgery, the natural lens of the eye is completely removed, so there is no chance that the original cataract will come back. Most cases of “cataracts come back after surgery” are actually secondary cataracts, or posterior capsule opacification (PCO), and can occur after cataract surgery.
This sometimes happens because the symptoms of secondary cataracts are similar to the original cataract. Patients might think their cataract has back when, in fact, it is something entirely different.
The estimated occurrence of secondary cataracts is 10-20% of patients a few years after successful cataract surgery. It is very important to realize that secondary cataracts are different and treatable and not a result of failed original surgery.
Routine follow-up visits are important after cataract surgery as it helps doctors to determine the changes in vision or the development of a secondary cataract. It allows them to detect early and start treatment to keep your vision healthy. At our clinic, we prioritize long-term eye health. All our patients receive comprehensive care. One can refer to our website to check the cataract patient testimonials and their successful experience.
Although secondary cataracts does not recur to everyone, but if it does, below are the factors that may increase the likelihood:
Fortunately, secondary cataracts are relatively easy to treat with a procedure called YAG laser capsulotomy. This is a simple, outpatient procedure in which:
A laser is used to make an opening in the clouded capsule so that light can pass through and restore the clear vision.
In general, the procedure is mostly completed within 10-15 minutes for an eye without the incision process.
This particular YAG laser capsulotomy is highly successful without risky complications.
YAG laser capsulotomy is the gold standard for secondary cataract treatment because of its simplicity, effectiveness, and low risk. It removes cloudiness caused by PCO without touching the implanted IOL and guarantees long-term vision clarity.
The patient typically reports improvement of vision right after the procedure. Recovery time is minimal, and most people return to their day-to-day activity within a day.
The right selection of an eye specialist can really make a huge difference in the final results of your surgery and post-operative care. We are the best eye surgeon in Mumbai and hold 15+ years of experience, experts addressing issues about Cataracts come back after surgery, and ensuring long-term vision fitness.
Cataracts cannot come back once surgery is done. However, it is possible for a secondary cataract to develop in some patients following successful original cataract surgery. Fortunately, this condition is easily treatable with a quick and effective YAG laser capsulotomy. Regular eye exams and protective measures can help you maintain clear vision and enjoy the full benefits of your cataract surgery. If you’re considering surgery or need follow-up care, contact us to inquire about a cataract surgery cost in Mumbai or explore our cataract patient testimonials for insights.
PCO is a clouding of the lens capsule after cataract surgery, a common complication, not a cataract recurrence.
Symptoms include blurry vision, decreased contrast sensitivity, and the need for stronger glasses, similar to cataracts.
Yes, risks include secondary cataracts, glaucoma, retinal detachment, macular edema, and dry eye, though not directly caused by the surgery.
The cataracts do not return, but the PCO may occur. It is easily found and treated with YAG laser capsulotomy, if regular check-ups are conducted.
Dr. Shradha Goel, Chief Surgeon at Arohi Eye Hospital, is a renowned Phaco-LASIK surgeon with over 10,000 surgeries to her credit. She earned her MBBS from Grant Medical College, Mumbai, and a Master’s in Ophthalmology from Kasturba Medical College, Manipal. As a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, Dr. Goel specialises in LASIK, refractive errors, and cataract treatments.
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