Repeat Cataract Surgery

Question: My husband had cataract surgery about 20 years ago and lens implant put in. Does the procedure ever have to be redone ?


Answer: A Cataract is clouding of the crystalline lens inside the eye. During a Cataract operation procedure the cloudy lens material is permanently removed and does not regrow. Lens Implants are permanent and last a lifetime barring any other eye disease, trauma or infection. What can happen is that the posterior lens capsule that is left in place to support the Lens Implant can become cloudy over time and requires a brief YAG Laser Capsulotomy to create a clear opening. Usually this occurs in shorter timeframe than 20 years after Cataract Surgery. So, as long as your husband is enjoying good vision he should continue to have regular eye exams for glaucoma, macular degeneration and any other eye diseases, conditions or problems that can adversely impact eye health and vision and not be concerned with having to repeat his Cataract Surgery and Lens Implant procedure.

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.