Cataract surgery has helped millions of people around the world see clearly again. It is one of the most commonly performed surgeries and is incredibly effective and safe. However, as with any surgery or eye condition, there are risks involved. One of the risks is the development of a “secondary cataract” that is not actually a cataract, but rather a different condition. The good news is that this new condition does not usually require another surgery to restore vision. Before getting cataract surgery, to help you understand why it might feel as if you have a cataract after operation developing, let’s explore what is a secondary cataract, why it happens, and how it can be fixed.
What to Expect Post-Cataract Surgery
Post-cataract surgery, you can expect to feel some discomfort, such as a gritty or scratchy sensation in your eye, watery eyes, and light sensitivity. Your vision may be blurry and it might feel as if there is something in your eye. Most of your post-surgery symptoms should resolve within the first few weeks after surgery. During this time, it is important to avoid touching or itching your eyes as this may cause damage or introduce infection-causing bacteria.
How soon after cataract surgery can you see? Most patients notice their vision beginning to clear after 24-48 hours though it may take awhile for your vision to stabilize, somewhere around four to six weeks.
To help encourage proper healing and recovery, your surgeon will most likely prescribe antibiotic eye drops to prevent infection and anti-inflammatory drops to help with swelling. It is important to follow the instructions exactly. Some patients may also receive steroid drops, but it will depend on the situation and the surgeon’s recommendations.
It is vital that you follow the surgeon’s instructions post-surgery, which may include:
- Avoid rubbing or pressing on your eye, as this can disrupt healing or dislodge the new lens
- Don’t get water directly in your eye while showering or washing your face for at least a week
- Avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, and bodies of water for at least two weeks
- Refrain from strenuous activities, heavy lifting (generally anything over 10-15 pounds), and bending over at the waist for the first week
- Protect your eye from dust, dirt, and wind by wearing the protective shield provided, especially while sleeping
- Avoid wearing eye makeup for at least one week, and don’t drive until your doctor confirms it’s safe to do so
If you notice any problems or are uncertain about your recovery progress, it is best to err on the side of caution and contact your surgeon. The skilled professionals at OCLI Vision are always available to answer questions and address patient concerns, so do not hesitate to get in touch with the office nearest you.
Do Cataracts Come Back?
Technically, cataracts do not come back after cataract surgery because the eye’s natural lens has been replaced with an artificial lens that does not allow the development of cataracts. However, there is a condition called posterior capsule opacification (PCO) that can occur which mimics the symptoms of a cataract. Despite being sometimes called a secondary cataract, PCO is the clouding of the membrane that holds the new artificial lens in place, rather than a cataract.
It is important to get a proper diagnosis if you suspect you may have eye clouding after cataract surgery. PCO eye can be mistaken for general age-related vision decline or the progression of pre-existing conditions like macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy if they are not corrected before surgery. PCO is distinguished from other conditions by the gradual clouding or hazing of vision after vision was clear following successful cataract surgery.
What causes PCO after cataract surgery? PCO occurs when cells from the natural lens that weren’t completely removed during surgery begin to grow and multiply on the back capsule. Which is the thin membrane left behind to support the artificial intraocular lens. These lens cells migrate across the capsule surface and can cause it to become thick and cloudy, gradually blocking light from reaching the retina just as the original cataract did. Most surgeons will attempt to prevent this from happening by thoroughly cleaning the capsule before placing the new lens.
Several factors increase an individual’s risk of developing a secondary cataract, including:
- Being younger at the time of cataract surgery since younger patients have more active lens cells
- Selecting certain types of intraocular lenses
- Having diabetes, uveitis, or other inflammatory eye conditions
- Certain genetic factors or experiencing trauma to the eye
What Are the Symptoms of a Secondary Cataract and What Causes Secondary Cataracts?
Symptoms of a secondary cataract, or posterior capsule opacification symptoms, include blurred or hazy vision, glares, halos around lights, and difficulty seeing at night, similar to the symptoms of the original cataract. Additionally, colors may appear faded, and vision may gradually become diminished or cloudy.
Fortunately, treatment for PCO is straightforward and effective. A YAG laser capsulotomy is an outpatient procedure that takes a few minutes and generally delivers immediate improvement in vision. The procedure uses a focused laser beam to create a small, circular opening in the clouded posterior capsule, creating a clear path for light to reach your retina. The treatment requires only topical anesthetic eye drops, is essentially painless, and does not require stitches or excessive downtime.
How Many Times Can You Get a Secondary Cataract?
Even if you do develop a secondary cataract, you can only get it once, and you will not ever need another cataract surgery. The original cataract cannot grow back because the natural lens was removed entirely during your initial cataract surgery and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens. Cataracts form in the eye’s natural lens due to protein changes, but once that lens is removed, there’s simply nothing left to develop a cataract.
If you develop PCO, you will only ever need one YAG laser capsulotomy since it removes all of the remaining cells in the capsule. Problems after secondary cataract are rare. However, recurrence of cloudiness after YAG eye treatment is more common in children, who have a higher potential for cell proliferation compared to adults. Pediatric eyes are still developing, and the lens epithelial cells in younger patients are more active and capable of regeneration. As a result, posterior capsule opacification is not only more common in children who undergo cataract surgery but is also treated differently in pediatric patients. Pediatric patients will most likely undergo a procedure called a secondary proliferative membrane removal surgery. That being said, the recurrence rate of PCO is relatively low for children, and some may undergo a primary posterior capsulotomy during the initial cataract surgery to prevent PCO from developing in the first place.
Maintaining Your Vision With OCLI Vision
Understanding what to expect after cataract surgery helps ensure a smooth recovery and optimal results. Following your doctor’s instructions is crucial to preventing complications and achieving clear vision.
Although cataracts themselves cannot return once removed, posterior capsule opacification can develop months or years after surgery, causing similar symptoms. Luckily, a “secondary cataract” can be treated quickly and permanently with a simple YAG eye surgery. Generally, problems after yag laser capsulotomy are rare, but risks like retinal detachment or increased eye pressure do exist.
If you have had cataract surgery and notice your vision is less than perfect, you may be developing PCO. For help diagnosing and correction the underlying conditions linked to secondary cataracts, schedule an appointment at the nearest OCLI Vision location today to consult with an eye care professional.
