Do Cataracts Come Back After Surgery?

Do Cataracts Come Back After Surgery?
Do Cataracts Come Back After Surgery?

Jan 24, 2025

Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most effective procedures. It offers patients clearer vision by replacing the eye’s natural cloudy lens with an artificial lens. While highly successful, many patients wonder whether cataracts can return after surgery. Here’s a detailed guide to help understand the permanence of cataract surgery and potential post-surgical conditions.

What Are Cataracts?

Cataracts occur when the eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy, preventing light from passing through effectively. This clouding can lead to:

  • Blurry vision
  • Difficulty reading
  • Sensitivity to light or glare
  • Vision loss in severe cases

Cataracts often develop due to aging, but other factors like injury, genetics, or medical conditions can contribute.

What Happens During Cataract Surgery?

Cataract surgery is performed when cataracts significantly affect a patient’s daily life. During the procedure:

  1. The cloudy natural lens is removed.
  2. An artificial intraocular lens (IOL) is implanted to restore clear vision.

This new lens is durable and does not develop cataracts, making the procedure a permanent solution in most cases.

Can Cataracts Come Back?

No, cataracts cannot return after surgery. However, a condition called posterior capsule opacification (PCO), also known as a secondary cataract, may develop in some cases.

What Is a Secondary Cataract?

A secondary cataract occurs when the lens capsule, a part of the eye left intact during surgery, becomes cloudy over time. This condition is not a recurrence of cataracts but a post-surgical complication that can affect vision.

  • Frequency: Occurs in 3-20% of cases.
  • Timing: Typically develops 1-5 years after surgery.

Symptoms of Secondary Cataracts

  • Blurry or cloudy vision
  • Halos or glare, especially around lights
  • Reduced sharpness in both near and far vision
  • Difficulty perceiving colors

How Are Secondary Cataracts Treated?

Secondary cataracts are effectively treated with a YAG laser capsulotomy. This non-invasive procedure involves:

  1. Preparation: The eye is numbed using drops.
  2. Laser Treatment: A laser creates a small opening in the cloudy capsule to allow light to pass through clearly.
  • Duration: A few minutes
  • Recovery: Most patients notice vision improvement within 24 hours.

Risks of YAG Laser Capsulotomy

While safe, the procedure may have minor side effects, including:

  • Temporary floaters
  • Increased eye pressure
  • Rare swelling, treatable with prescribed eye drops

What to Expect After YAG Laser Capsulotomy

Patients often experience rapid recovery and improved vision, though rest and eye drops may be required for a few days. We have a best team of Best Cataract Surgeon In Delhi NCR. We are also offering Femto Cataract Surgery In Delhi.

If you’re in the South Delhi or West Delhi  area and would like to inquire about cataract surgery, don't hesitate to get in touch with Helpline Number: (+91)-9711004422 .

Stay Connected with us for latest updates!

Call us
Book Appointment TO know More About Lasik