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• Cataracts do not grow back after cataract surgery removes the cloudy natural lens.
• A secondary cataract is actually posterior capsule opacification, or PCO, which occurs when the capsule behind the artificial lens becomes cloudy.
• YAG laser capsulotomy can create a clear opening in the cloudy capsule and help restore clearer vision.

If your vision becomes cloudy again months or years after cataract surgery, you may wonder: can cataracts grow back? The answer is no. Once the cloudy natural lens has been removed, the original cataract cannot return. However, some patients develop a condition called posterior capsule opacification, or PCO, which is commonly referred to as a secondary cataract because it can cause symptoms that feel similar to cataracts.

Can Cataracts Grow Back After Surgery?

During cataract surgery, the cloudy natural lens is removed and replaced with a clear artificial intraocular lens. The new artificial lens does not develop another cataract. A thin natural capsule remains in the eye to support the artificial lens. Over time, this capsule can become cloudy. When that happens, light may no longer pass through the eye as clearly as it did immediately after surgery. This condition is PCO, not a new cataract.

What Is a Secondary Cataract?

Patients asking what a secondary cataract is are usually referring to posterior capsule opacification. PCO occurs when the back portion of the capsule holding the artificial lens becomes cloudy. Although the term secondary cataract is commonly used, the artificial lens itself is not becoming cloudy. The cloudiness develops in the supporting capsule behind it. This distinction is important because treating PCO does not require another cataract removal procedure.

What Are the Signs of Posterior Capsule Opacification?

PCO may cause vision to become less clear after a period of improvement following cataract surgery. Patients may notice concerns such as:

• Blurry or hazy vision
• Reduced visual clarity
• Increased glare
• Difficulty seeing as clearly as they did after surgery

These symptoms do not automatically mean PCO is present. An ophthalmologist or optometrist should evaluate vision changes to identify the cause.

How YAG Laser Capsulotomy Treats PCO

Posterior capsule opacification can be treated with a procedure called YAG laser capsulotomy. During treatment, the ophthalmologist uses a laser to create a small clear opening in the cloudy portion of the capsule. This allows light to pass through more clearly again. The artificial lens remains in place, so another cataract surgery is not required. The treatment is typically performed in the office and is designed to restore the clearer visual pathway that existed after cataract surgery.

When Should You Schedule an Eye Evaluation?

If blurry or cloudy vision returns after cataract surgery, an eye examination can determine whether PCO or another condition is responsible. Advanced Cataract & Glaucoma Care, PLLC provides personalized cataract and ophthalmology care throughout the Tampa Bay area. If you have noticed changes in your vision after cataract surgery, contact us to schedule an evaluation and discuss next steps, benefits, and possible risks.  

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