Understanding “Secondary” Cataracts
A “secondary” cataract appears as a cloudy membrane. It may develop months to years after your original cataract has been removed and you have received an intraocular lens (IOL) to replace your natural lens.
When placing the IOL, an incision was made in the capsular bag surrounding your eye’s lens. Although the incision heals quickly, it is not uncommon for the capsule to produce visible cells which can blur and cloud vision. Patients often believe their cataracts have come back. Approximately 40% of cataract surgery patients experience the postoperative condition known as a “secondary” cataract,
A YAG laser capsulotomy is done to remove a “secondary” cataract. The YAG laser uses quick pulses of cold laser energy to clear up the cloudy membranes of the “secondary’ cataract without affecting you IOL. This procedure is done at Yaldo Eye Center to restore good vision quickly and painlessly. Eye drops are administered to dilate the eyes, and then the YAG laser is used clear up the cloudy membranes, allowing more light to reach your retina.
