If vision deteriorates after cataract surgery, this is referred to as a aftercataract. In the case of an aftercataract connective tissue and cell growths can form, which cloud the vision and make it appear milky. Most of the time, these formations of the aftercataract are rather rare and harmless.
In very rare cases, the renewed clouding of the eye by the secondary cataract can only occur after many years. Patients who have opted for a multifocal lens are more likely to be disturbed by it.
In such cases, further surgery of the eye is recommended, through which we can fully restore your vision.
In cataract surgery, the body’s own clouded lens is removed from the eye. The lens capsule directly behind it remains intact. The new artificial lens is inserted over this lens capsule.
Approximately one third of all patients may experience opacification of the posterior lens capsule. In such cases, one speaks of the aftercataract. The lens epithelial cells multiply, as they no longer have contact with the actual lens. If these cells enter the optical center of the eye, the patient’s visual quality will deteriorate.
In addition, the development of the secondary cararact is also related to the age of the patient. The younger the patient, the greater the likelihood of developing an aftercataract.
The symptoms of an aftercataract appear quickly. For the time being, cataract surgery will restore visual acuity. A significant improvement is quite noticeable.
With aftercataracts, vision deteriorates quickly and painlessly. The contrast perception suffers and the view is increasingly blurred. In many patients, there is also an increased sensitivity to glare in aftercataracts.
Many of the symptoms are similar to those of cataracts before its surgery. In contrast, the glaucoma develops symptoms such as visual field loss, which often go unnoticed for a long time.
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There are two different methods of treating the aftercataract. If the patient’s perception is impaired, the secondary cataract must be treated. There are two methods:
After a successful operation, the aftercataract usually does not occur a second time. Read more about the cost of eye surgery!
Laser treatment of the secondary cataract with the so-called Yag laser is possible quickly and painlessly in our practice. For the treatment, your pupils are dilated by special drops. The procedure is completely painless with a local anaesthetic.
We use a special laser (Yag III) from Zeiss, which is ideal for the operation of the aftercataract. With the help of the Yag laser, your posterior lens capsule (located behind the artificial lens) is cleaned so that you can see again flawlessly and without further problems.
The operation of the aftercataract usually takes place without complications. Nevertheless, it is necessary to come to the follow-up examinations.
Suction of the secondary cataract is a surgical alternative to treatment with the Yag laser. The goal here is to preserve the posterior capsule. Nevertheless, this form of treatment is rarely used. You can read how the procedure takes place here:
The treatment of aftercataracts as a result of cataract surgery is generally considered low-risk. Since cataract surgery is also used in certain cases as part of the treatment of a cataract, careful follow-up is particularly crucial here. Only rarely do side effects occur. Transient elevated intraocular pressure may occur after treatment with the Yag Laser. Therefore, the patient should always be aware of the follow-up examinations.
Remnants of capsular fibrosis can float around in the vitreous body and be perceived as black spots.
In extremely rare cases, macular edema (fluid deposition) can occur in the area of the middle of the retina. Likewise, retinal detachment cannot be ruled out. However, these cases are extremely rare. Read more about the eye!
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Laser Eye Surgery, Diagnostics & Consultations on Ophthalmology at the Bányai Laser Eye Center – Dr. Liliana Bányai
The secondary cataract may occur as a result of cataract surgery. Behind the inserted artificial lens is the posterior lens. This can become cloudy as a result of the operation and obscure and impair the patient’s vision.
No. If the aftercataract has been operated on, it can usually not occur again.
The ophthalmologist should be consulted for any problems related to light and eye. He can determine whether you suffer from a cataract or the secondary cataract.
Cataract is a disease of the eyes as a result of increasing age. A cataract operation can lead to an aftercataract. However, the aftercataract is only a consequence and not an eye disease that sets in on its own.
