After cataract surgery, your vision should be clearer. However, some people experience what’s called a “secondary cataract” or posterior capsule opacification (PCO). This isn’t a real cataract, but happens when cells grow on the lens capsule left behind during surgery, causing cloudy vision, glare, and other symptoms similar to cataracts.

Secondary cataracts are common, affecting up to 50% of people within five years of surgery. The good news? They’re easily treatable with a quick laser procedure called YAG laser capsulotomy, which restores clear vision almost immediately.

To keep your vision sharp after surgery, follow your doctor’s post-op care instructions, protect your eyes from UV rays, and stay on top of routine eye exams. While you can’t completely prevent secondary cataracts, choosing the right artificial lens and maintaining your overall eye health can help.

If you notice blurry vision or other changes after surgery, don’t panic—reach out to your eye doctor. With proper care and timely treatment, you can enjoy clear, vibrant vision for years to come.

Read ProVision’s full blog to learn more about the difference between cataracts and secondary cataracts, and how to navigate a smooth recovery following cataract surgery. 

Can Cataracts Come Back?

You've just had cataract surgery, and your vision is clearer than it has been in years. The cloudy lens that was fogging up your vision has been replaced with an artificial one, but a burning question lingers in your mind—can cataracts come back?

No, cataracts cannot return after surgery. Once your natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL), true cataracts are gone for good. 

However, some people eventually develop a condition that feels like cataracts. This is known as secondary cataract or posterior capsule opacification (PCO). 

You Had Cataract Surgery: Now What?

Growing older brings changes: wisdom, experience, and, of course, the physical signs of aging. Following presbyopia, cataracts take the lead as one of the common age-related vision concerns. On the bright side, it’s one of the few eye diseases we can effectively treat, all thanks to cataract surgery. 

After cataract surgery, most people notice a dramatic improvement in their vision within a few days. The artificial lens that’s inserted during cataract surgery is designed to last a lifetime and can’t develop cataracts itself.

Recovering from cataract surgery is relatively straightforward. Here’s what you can expect: 

• First 24 hours: Rest with a protective eye shield

• First week: Gradual improvement in vision clarity

• First month: Complete healing and visual stability of vision

• Long-term: Ongoing clear vision with your new IOL

As you heal, you might experience some minor side effects such as mild discomfort, light sensitivity, or seeing halos around lights. These symptoms usually fade as your eye adjusts to the artificial lens.

The key thing to remember is that your artificial lens cannot develop cataracts. The protein buildup that caused your original cataracts simply cannot occur with synthetic lens materials. 

Can You Get Cataracts After Cataract Surgery?

The simple answer is no. 

Here's what can actually happen to your vision after cataract surgery:

• Secondary cataracts (PCO): The most common issue, affecting up to 50% of people within five years of having cataract surgery. This occurs when cells grow across the lens capsule. However, “secondary cataracts” aren’t really cataracts.

• Other eye conditions: Sometimes vision changes result from unrelated conditions such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, or dry eye. 

• IOL complications: Rarely, the artificial lens itself may shift or develop other issues, but these aren't cataracts.

What Is a Secondary Cataract?

Despite its name, a secondary cataract isn't actually a cataract at all. The appropriate term is "posterior capsule opacification" (PCO), because it more accurately describes what's happening in your eye.

During cataract surgery, your surgeon removes the cloudy natural lens of your eye, but leaves behind the thin, clear membrane that held it in place. This membrane is called the lens capsule, and your new, artificial lens sits behind it. Over time, cells can grow across the back surface of the lens capsule, causing it to become cloudy or opaque.

This cloudiness creates symptoms that feel remarkably similar to your original cataracts, such as: 

• Blurry or hazy vision

• Increased glare from lights

• Difficulty seeing in bright conditions

• Colors appear less vibrant

• Problems with night vision

Secondary cataracts develop gradually, often taking months or years to become noticeable. Some people experience symptoms within weeks of surgery, while others may not notice changes for several years. The timing varies significantly from person to person.

The good news is that secondary cataracts are easily treatable with a simple laser procedure called YAG laser capsulotomy. Similar to cataract surgery, this is a quick, relatively painless treatment that restores vision by creating a small opening in the cloudy capsule. 

Can You Prevent Secondary Cataracts?

While you cannot completely prevent secondary cataracts, staying proactive about your eye health can help safeguard your sight, especially following cataract surgery: 

• Choose the right IOL material: Some studies suggest that certain types of artificial lenses may have lower rates of PCO. Your surgeon can discuss which IOL options might be best-suited for your specific case.

• Follow post-operative care instructions: Proper healing after surgery may reduce complications. Use prescription eye drops as directed, attend all follow-up appointments with your optometrist and ophthalmologist, avoid eye rubbing, and protect your eyes from UV exposure. 

• Maintain overall eye health: While this won't prevent secondary cataracts specifically, good eye health practices support your long-term vision. This includes measures such as staying on top of your routine eye exams to catch problems early, managing health conditions, wearing UV-protective sunglasses, and eating a nourishing diet.  

• Communicate with your eye doctor: Report any vision changes promptly. Early detection of secondary cataracts means quicker treatment and faster return to clear vision.

It's worth noting that, if you do develop a secondary cataract, the treatment is straightforward. The procedure takes just a few minutes and provides immediate results. Most patients notice improved vision within a few hours following surgery. 

Keep Your Vision Strong & Healthy 

Developing secondary cataracts isn’t ideal, but it doesn’t undermine the success of your cataract surgery. An artificial lens is an investment in your vision, and with eye-friendly habits and routine eye exams, you can enjoy clear, vibrant vision well into your golden years. 

If you notice any changes in your vision after cataract surgery, or your vision doesn’t feel as sharp as it once was, connect with our ProVision team to book an appointment. The sooner we take action, the better we can support your vision, eye health, and overall quality of life.