Why Post-Cataract Complications Can Sometimes Arise

If you've had cataract surgery in the past, you may be particularly happy with the outcome as you can now see much more clearly again. As you know, this disease causes a general clouding of the lens, which needs to be replaced by an artificial one in order to renew normal service. Yet you may be confused at this point, as the condition appears to be coming back. You may wonder how this is possible as this disease can only affect a natural lens and never an artificial replacement. So, what is happening?

Post-Cataract Development

In this situation, you may be suffering from a peripheral after-effect that does not directly affect the lens itself but rather the capsule within which it sits. In some people, this capsule can also develop complications that may cause a certain amount of clouding in its own right. The good news is that your eye surgeon can fix this quite easily by using a special machine and working on an outpatient basis.

The YAG Capsulotomy

The procedure in question is known as a YAG capsulotomy. A surgeon will use a special, modified laser to create some holes in the capsule, eliminating any clouding and allowing you to see more clearly again.

During the Procedure

When you visit the surgeon for this procedure, you will be asked to place your chin on a rest and look into a viewfinder in much the same way as you will when you get a routine eye examination. You may notice a bright light as the surgeon trains the machine onto the capsule, and after a few minutes, the procedure will be over. There's no pain involved, although the light may be quite bright and hard to deal with for some sensitive people.

Post-Operation

Most people report an immediate improvement, but in any case, you should expect to get your vision restored within a short amount of time. If you've had cataract surgery in both eyes, you may eventually need to deal with a capsulotomy for the other eye as well, but you should talk with your eye surgeon or optician to get their advice on this.

Dealing with the Issue

So, it is not possible for a cataract to "return," but it is much more likely that you are suffering from a clouding of the capsule containing the lens. As always, ask your optician or eye surgeon for their advice in your case, and they will recommend what to do next.