Secondary Cataract Causes Blurry Vision
Most patients decide to have cataract surgery because their vision is blurry. The purpose of your cataract surgery is to correct your blurry vision. Sometimes, months or years after cataract surgery the vision can become blurry again. We call this a secondary cataract.
You may worry that the cataract grew back. This is not the case. Once the cataract (the cloudy lens in the eye) is removed, it cannot grow back.
When the cataract is removed, an intraocular lens implant is placed into the capsular bag that the cataract previously sat inside. Up to 50% of the time after cataract surgery, the back of the capsule can become cloudy after cataract surgery. Some people call this a secondary cataract. This can occur months or even years after cataract surgery. A secondary cataract is extremely common.
Symptoms of Secondary Cataract
You may notice increased in blurry vision or an increase in glare and mistiness of the vision. You may notice halos around lights. It is important for your comprehensive ophthalmologist to perform a comprehensive eye examination to determine the cause of your blurry vision.
Symptoms of a secondary cataract are very similar to the symptoms of having a cataract.
If I feel the blurry vision is due to opacification of the capsule (in layman’s terms a secondary cataract), I will discuss the risks, benefits and alternatives of the the treatment plan.
Yag Laser Capsulotomy
A Yag Laser Capsulotomy is a relatively simple procedure typically performed in my office. The laser procedure is painless and only takes a minute or two. No anesthesia is required and you can drive yourself home.
I will give you drops to dilate the pupil and numb the eye. After, I will place a lens on the surface of the eye. I will use a laser to make an opening in the capsule. The purpose of the procedure is to improve your vision.
After a Yag Laser Capsulotomy
Your vision may be blurry for an hour or so after the procedure because of ointment used in the eye during the procedure. I will give you a drop to use for approximately 5 days. I will check you in my office 2-3 weeks after your procedure.
Alaina Kronenberg, M.D.
Cataract Specialist
Comprehensive Ophthalmologist
Dearborn, Michigan 48126
