Repeating Cataract & Lens Implant Surgery

Question: Can cataract surgery be performed more than once per eye and implant a new intraocular lens?


Answer: Cataract Surgery entails removing the cloudy crystalline lens inside the eye and replacing it with a permanent clear artificial lens. Once the cloudy material is removed it does not regrow and thus does NOT need to be repeated. In some instances the membrane or "lens capsule" that is left in place to support the placement of the Lens Implant can become cloudy and requires an opening be created using a YAG Laser-however it does not require that another Cataract be "removed'. Thus-the answer to your question is that there is no real need to have a repeat of a Cataract operation. There is in some percentage of cases the need for a YAG Laser Capsulotomy. Regarding the need to replace a Lens Implant-modern Intraocular Lens Implants (IOL) last a lifetime and do not "wear out". Unless there is a problem with some other eye problem or condition there is no need to replace a well functioning IOL. Infrequently there may be a need to exchange an IOL in the short period after Cataract Surgery if there is a need to obtain a better optical result although for the most part this is unusual.

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