When the clouded natural lens is removed and a synthetic lens implanted, it's impossible for cataracts to "come back." Sometimes, however, the natural lens capsule, part of which remains in the eye to hold the implanted lens in place, becomes clouded or thickened. This posterior capsule opacity - which can develop months or years after your surgery - is also called an after-cataract or secondary cataract. It is quite common and affects younger patients more often than older patients.
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| How To Regain Eyesight |
Fortunately, the problem can be quickly and safely repaired with a five-minute outpatient procedure called YAG laser capsulotomy. Your eye surgeon will use an yttrium aluminum garnet (FAG) laser to make a small hole in the back of the lens capsule, allowing light through. The procedure is painless, requiring no incision or sutures.
When to Call Your Doctor
Get in touch with your doctor right away or follow his or her emergency instructions if you are concerned about symptoms that are more severe or last longer than expected. These may include inflammation (pain, redness, swelling), haziness, marked decrease in vision, nausea, vomiting, excessive coughing, light flashes, or multiple floaters.
The Future of Cataract Treatment
As baby boomers approach their mid-sixties, the volume of cataract surgery is skyrocketing, as is the demand for even greater safety, convenience, and visual acuity. Accordingly, researchers throughout the world are investigating, testing, or introducing lens materials, surgical techniques, and prevention methods that could revolutionize the treatment of not only cataracts but also other eye conditions, such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and presbyopia. Here is just a sample of cataract-related scientific work in various stages of development:
Cataract Prevention Strategies
- Formulation of chemical compounds to prevent or halt cataract development, which might also stop the progression of muscular dystrophy, traumatic brain injury, and Type 2 diabetes
- The use of topical antioxidants to remove heavy metal ions from the eye, with promising results, especially in the treatment of diabetic cataracts
- Genetic research that could lead to gene therapy for cataracts and other eye disorders
- Improvements in IOL design and materials, such as development of a polyethylene glycol coating that would prevent formation of opacities on the capsule
- Refinements in phacoemulsification techniques
- Development of an implantable lens gel
- Development of IOLs whose focusing strength can be adjusted after cataract surgery by applying the appropriate wavelength of light to change the lens's shape
- Development of IOL injection devices, combined with new ultrasonic probes, for use in incisions as small as one millimeter
- Refinements in IOL power calculation
- Prevention of infection and inflammation by implanting a drug-delivery device in the eye
- A two-stage cataract procedure, consisting of standard cataract surgery followed by refractive surgery using a special laser to precisely adjust the shape of the cornea
- Presbyopic corneal inlays, for improved near vision while retaining distance vision
Ophthalmic researchers and optical scientists envision exciting possibilities for safe, noninvasive ways to prevent and correct vision damage in people of all ages. Some of the developments described above are many years away from practical application. Others are just becoming available for use by experienced and highly skilled eye surgeons.
One thing is certain: Cataract surgery and lens replacement have made huge strides in just the past few years. The procedure is safer and faster, and the results more satisfying, than anyone could have imagined in the days when, after cataract surgery, patients had to wear thick, heavy eyeglasses to have any vision at all. If you have cataract surgery today, and your surgeon has kept abreast of improved techniques and materials, you can thank the pioneering work of scientists and eye specialists for restored clarity of vision, independence, and quality of life that you will appreciate as never before. To find out more, you can check out How To Regain Eyesight.