Cataract Vision Problem & Late Complication

Question: I had cataract surgery on both eyes at the age of 55 in March and April of 2005. My left eye seems to be as bad today as it was before the cataract surgery. I cannot see at night to drive unless the road is clearly marked as the center line and lights of vehicles coming towards me are the same as before my surgery. I also wear glasses to read which I don't really mind. I was told LASIK is needed to remove scar tissue from this eye.

Answer: What you are describing is most likely the presence of posterior capsular opacification. During Cataract Surgery and Lens Implant Surgery, it is typical for the Cataract Surgeon to leave the posterior capsule of the crystalline lens in place in order to support the Lens Implant. In some percent of people, the crystalline lens capsule becomes cloudy and actually can decrease vision much in the same way as a Cataract in terms of the symptoms it produces. If this is the case what is required is a YAG Laser Capsulotomy, not LASIK, in order to create an optically clear opening in the cloudy lens capsule. A YAG Laser Capsulotomy is a quick, painless laser procedure which typically restores the vision impaired by a cloudy capsule almost instantly after the treatment.

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