Cataract surgery is one of the most common and effective eye procedures, restoring clear vision for millions of people worldwide. But many patients ask: Can a cataract return after surgery?
While a cataract itself cannot come back, some individuals may experience vision problems months or years after their procedure due to a condition called Posterior Capsule Opacification (PCO). We’ll explain what cataracts are, how they’re treated and what you should do if vision changes after surgery throughout this article.
What is a cataract?
A cataract is a condition where the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy, causing blurry or distorted vision. This clouding occurs when proteins in the lens break down and clump together, preventing light from passing through properly. Cataracts are most commonly associated with aging, but other factors can also contribute to their development.
Types of Cataracts
- Age-Related Cataracts - this is the most common
- Congenital Cataracts - present at birth or develop in early childhood
- Traumatic Cataracts - develops after an eye injury
- Secondary Cataracts - caused by conditions like diabetes or prolonged steroid use
- Radiation Cataracts - resulting from exposure to UV rays or radiation therapy
What are the symptoms of a cataract?
Cataracts tend to develop gradually and often go unnoticed in the early stages. As the cataract progresses patients may experience:
Cloudy or blurry vision
Change in colour perception
Light and glare sensitivity
Difficulty with night vision
Frequent prescription changes
Double vision
If these symptoms start affecting daily activities, an eye examination is essential to determine if cataract surgery is needed.
How are cataracts treated?
The only treatment for cataracts is surgery. The procedure is quick, painless and highly successful and usually performed under a local anaesthetic taking around 15 minutes. Patients usually return home on the same day.
Cataract surgery, also known as phacoemulsification, involves:
- Preparation - the eye is numbed with anaesthetic, and a small incision is made into the eye to access the cataract
- Breaking down the cataract - an ultrasonic handpiece is inserted which breaks the cataract into tiny fragments
- Removing the cataract - fluids are continuously flushed through the eye to help clear away debris, with fragments being sucked out of the eye
- Inserting the new lens - the new intraocular lens is carefully positioned in place by the surgeon
Patients have multiple intraocular lens (IOL) options including monofocal, multifocal and toric lenses. It’s important to discuss these with your consultant before surgery.
Can a cataract return after surgery?
No – cataracts cannot return once surgery has been performed.
Since the natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial one, a cataract cannot develop on the new lens. However some patients may experience vision changes later which is often mistaken for a returning cataract. This happens due to a condition called Posterior Capsule Opacification or PCO.
What is Posterior Capsule Opacification (PCO) and what causes it?
After cataract surgery the posterior capsule (a thin membrane that holds the new artificial lens) remains in the eye. Over time, some remaining cells may grow on this membrane causing it to become thickened and cloudy.
This condition is relatively common but can be easily treated. While it may seem like the cataract has returned, PCO is not a cataract and further surgery is not needed.
How is Posterior Capsule Opacification (PCO) treated?
A painless, non-invasive laser procedure called YAG Laser Capsulotomy is performed by creating an opening in the membrane with a laser.
The procedure takes a few minutes and since no incisions are made, recovery is fast meaning you can get back to everyday activities quickly.
However because the eye drops will make your vision blurry you should arrange suitable transport home and avoid driving.
Can Posterior Capsule Opacification return after YAG Laser treatment?
In most cases treatment is permanent.
It is very rare for the capsule to become cloudy again after YAG Laser Capsulotomy. Once the laser clears the cloudy membrane it does not regrow.
The Stoneygate Eye Hospital
Situated in the leafy suburb of Stoneygate in Leicester, we are the only dedicated private eye hospital throughout the East Midlands. We are incredibly proud of our patient feedback and we are continuously rated 5 stars on Trustpilot and Google.
Our team of University Hospital Leicester (UHL) consultants are highly experienced within their respective fields of Ophthalmology and bring a wealth of knowledge for all aspects of the eye.
With state-of-the-art technology and a comfortable, relaxing environment we are able to offer a broad range of procedures from cataract surgery to laser eye surgery and everything in between.
If you have any other questions or would like to know more about whether a cataract can return after surgery, please get in touch with our team on 0116 270 8033 or complete our consultation booking form here.