Is it possible for vision to deteriorate after cataract surgery?

Doctor's Answer

Absolutely. This used to be most common previously due to a condition called posterior capsular opacity.

This is a condition where even the tiniest residual lens epithelial cells left remaining in the lens capsular bag would migrate before the acrylic intraocular lens, and continue to reproduce.

This would result in a minor retro-lenticular opacity that would cause blurring of images (almost akin to a "second cataract").

Thankfully this condition is much less common than it used to be (likely due to a combination of modern cataract surgery techniques, and modern square-edged intraocular lens designs).

The treatment for this condition is a very short, and painless laser procedure that creates an opening in the posterior surface of the lens bag. This clears the visual axis of the cellular opacity, and restores clear vision to the post-cataract patient again.

You should consult your attending Ophthalmologist for specific details pertaining to your individual conditions.

Best of luck!

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