Is Cataract Surgery Permanent?

Question: Is cataract surgery a permanent one-time procedure or do patients have to undergo this eye surgery every 10 years?


Answer: A Cataract is a clouding of the crystalline lens inside your eye. During the Cataract Surgery operation, a Cataract Surgeon will microscopically remove the cloudy material and typically leave behind the "capsule" that surrounds the crystalline lens to act as a support for an Intraocular Lens Implant (IOL) to correct your vision. Once the cloudy lens material is removed by the surgeon it does not come back-ever. However, in some 30% of instances the "capsule" may become cloudy causing patients to experience symptoms that may actually mimic having a Cataract. This is called "posterior capsular opacification" and is often referred to as a "secondary cataract". Fortunately in these instances where the capsule does become cloudy, using a YAG Laser it is possible to open the cloudy capsule along the visual axis with a procedure called a YAG Laser Capsulotomy. This procedure is performed using only eye drops, takes only a few moments, is painless and provides clear vision almost instantly.

Important Note: The information presented on the About Cataract Surgery Blog or provided in response to a request for information in the Ask Cataract Surgeons section on www.aboutcataractsurgery.com is not intended to diagnose or treat eye problems, eye conditions or eye diseases including appropriateness of treatment, risks, complications or side effects as related to Cataracts, Cataract Surgery of Lens Implants. In particular a response to an inquiry made on the Ask Cataract Surgeons section of www.aboutcataractsurgery.com is not meant to take the place of the professional medical care provided by your eye doctor, ophthalmologist and Cataract Surgeon surgeon. Contacting us via e-mail or any other means is not a substitute for medical care.