A cataract is a common age-related condition, occurring when the eyes natural lens loses its transparency and becomes cloudy. In most cases, this happens gradually over time and results in blurred or cloudy vision. Whilst age-related cataracts can develop in your 40s, in the majority of cases, they will usually become most noticeable for those in their 60s. Whilst clarity of vision can be successfully restored through cataract surgery, some patients wonder whether cataracts can come back after the procedure.
When performing cataract surgery, the Surgeon aims to restore clear vision by removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with a clear synthetic lens. Cataract surgery is the most commonly performed surgical procedure in the UK and is considered to be one of the safest surgical procedures available since the risk of serious complications developing after cataract surgery is very low. Those who have had cataract surgery often comment on how bright colours seem after surgery and how much they enjoy being able to see clearly again.
In some cases, those who have had cataract surgery can begin to experience blurred or cloudy vision in the years following surgery. These symptoms can lead some to believe that their cataract has returned however, it is not possible for cataracts to return after cataract surgery. Instead, these symptoms are often a sign that a condition known as Posterior Capsular Opacification (PCO) has developed. PCO can develop after cataract surgery if the natural tissue that surrounds the artificial lens begins to thicken, with vision becoming cloudy. As well as causing cloudy or blurred vision, it is possible to experience problems with bright lights, especially at night. This can, in turn, impact on your ability to perform certain day-to-day activities, including night driving and reading and as such it is important that it is not left untreated.
Luckily, the condition can be easily remedied through a low risk, quick and painless procedure known as YAG Laser Capsulotomy. Only taking around 5-10 minutes, during a YAG procedure, the surgeon will focus the Laser on the back of the lens and will create an opening in the tissue that has thickened and become cloudy. With a YAG procedure, the Surgeon is able to restore your vision to the level it was after your initial cataract surgery. The result of a YAG procedure is often noticeable on the same day the procedure takes place.
So, if you have been wondering whether cataracts can come back, you can rest assured that this is not the case. However, if you notice that your vision has deteriorated after cataract surgery, it is important that you come in for a consultation with one of our experienced clinicians.
YAG Laser Capsulotomy is available at Optical Express, the UK’s leading provider, and is a pain-free procedure that restores your sight to the level it was after your initial cataract surgery. If you have noticed that your vision has become increasingly blurry over a period of time, then don’t wait any longer and book your free consultation at Optical Express today.
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