Key Takeaways
- A cataract is a clouding of your eye’s natural lens, and it often comes with age.
- Cataract surgery replaces your cloudy lens with a clear artificial one.
- A secondary cataract can form if the thin capsule holding your new lens turns cloudy.
- An in-office laser treatment can help clear a secondary cataract.
- Reach out to your eye doctor if blurry vision or new glare shows up after surgery.
You had cataract surgery a few years ago, and colors looked bright again. Now the sunset over the Front Range looks a little hazy, and you’re wondering if your cataract is back. Our team at Cherry Creek Eye Physicians & Surgeons hears this question often from people across Denver.
A cataract can’t grow back once it’s removed, but the thin capsule holding your new lens can turn cloudy and blur your vision again. This is called a secondary cataract, and a short laser treatment can help. Regular eye exams with an eye doctor in Denver can help you catch changes like this early.
What Are Cataracts?
A cataract is a clouding of your eye’s clear natural lens. People with cataracts often describe it as looking through a frosted window.
As you age, the proteins in your eye’s internal lens can clump together, making it harder to see through. They can affect both eyes, but one eye may cloud faster than the other.
Common Cataract Symptoms
Cataracts tend to change your vision slowly, so the signs can sneak up on you. Watch for these changes:
- Colors look faded or yellowed, and your vision seems foggy.
- Lights have halos around them.
- Night driving feels harder, especially with oncoming headlights.
- Your glasses prescription changes often.
What Happens During Cataract Surgery?
During cataract surgery, an ophthalmologist removes your cloudy natural lens and places a clear artificial lens, called an intraocular lens (IOL), in its place.
The small incisions used in cataract surgery typically seal on their own, so stitches usually are not needed. At Cherry Creek Eye Physicians & Surgeons, your surgery and follow-up care happen under one roof.
Why Cataracts Can’t Grow Back
Your new artificial lens is made of acrylic or silicone. It has no natural proteins, so nothing can clump together to form a new cataract. Once your natural lens is gone, the original cataract is gone with it.
Alternatives to Cataract Surgery
Eye drops and medications can’t clear a clouded lens, so surgery is how a cataract gets removed.
Still, surgery isn’t right for everyone right away. If your cataract is mild and you can still read, drive, and enjoy your hobbies comfortably, your eye doctor may suggest waiting and monitoring it at regular eye exams.
What Is a Secondary Cataract?
A secondary cataract is also called posterior capsule opacification (PCO). Your artificial lens sits inside a thin capsule, and over time, this capsule can turn cloudy.
PCO can show up months or years after surgery. This isn’t an old cataract returning. It’s a separate change in the capsule holding your lens.
Signs and Symptoms of a Secondary Cataract
If you notice any of the following signs, schedule an eye exam with our team:
- Blurry or cloudy vision comes back.
- Your symptoms feel similar to your original cataract.
- Your vision changes after a stretch of clear sight.
How Is a Secondary Cataract Treated?
First, your eye doctor checks your eyes to confirm PCO is affecting your vision. If a secondary cataract is found, we may recommend a laser treatment to clear the clouded capsule.
Laser treatment for a secondary cataract is generally well tolerated and quick. We are here to walk you through every step of the process.
When to See an Eye Doctor After Cataract Surgery
Book a visit with an eye doctor in Denver if you notice any of these changes:
- Cloudy or blurry vision comes back.
- New glare or light sensitivity appears.
- Any change in your vision persists or worsens.
Regular eye exams also help our team track your vision over time, even when everything feels fine.
Schedule Your Consultation
Cherry Creek Eye Physicians & Surgeons has served Denver for over 70 years as an independently owned practice. Our team of experienced eye surgeons handles your medical, surgical, and post-operative eye care in one place. If you’re looking for cataract surgery or have noticed changes in your vision, we encourage you to book an appointment today.
