Can Cataracts Grow Back?

There’s a common misconception about cataracts—that they can grow back. While regrowth isn’t physically possible, there is a condition that can mimic some of the symptoms. This has become, somewhat incorrectly, known as a “secondary cataract”.The following looks at what this condition is, why it’s absolutely not a “new” cataract, and discusses the simple procedure that can fix the problem once and for all.

A Quick Overview of Cataracts

• What is a cataract?
• The cataracts grow back phenomena

What is a cataract?

Very basically, a cataract forms when proteins within the eye clump together and settle on the lens of the eye. Over time—typically many years—this becomes thicker and wider, causing the vision to deteriorate. It does so because it blocks the flow of light through the eye, causing symptoms that include blurred vision, seeing halos around lights, yellowing of colors, and difficulty seeing clearly in low light. Left unchecked, this can lead to blindness.While it sounds scary, you should rest assured that this is a normal part of the aging process. There are highly advanced procedures that remove the diseased lens and replace it with an artificial one, called an intraocular lens (IOL). For most of us, cataracts form during the later years. However, there are some rare instances where children suffer, or a cataract may form following eye trauma.

The cataracts grow back phenomena

As stated, a simple surgical procedure removes the cataract-covered lens and replaces it with an IOL. Once this is done, there’s no way that a cataract can grow back. However, there is a condition—known as Posterior Capsule Opacification (PCO)—that has symptoms very similar to that of a cataract. PCO occurs when proteins continue to clump on the part of the lens capsule that’s left within the eye during a cataract operation. This has to be done for the surgeon to have something onto which to fix the IOL. It affects a small number of cases (up to 25% of patients) and, once again, blocks the free flow of light through the eye. It can cause vision to become hazy, blurred, make you sensitive to light, and cause issues with reading.

Treatment for Posterior Capsular Opacification

• YAG laser treatment for PCO

YAG laser treatment for PCO

PCO is easily treated in the doctor’s office by a 5–10-minute procedure known as a YAG Capsulotomy. It involves a 30-60 second laser treatment that provides virtually instantaneous results. It permanently removes the clumped proteins that have built up on the lens capsule with the eye. In other words, if you do need the treatment then it will be a one-time-only gig and the condition will not return.

Concerned About Cataracts Grow Back Syndrome? Don’t Be… Contact the WBEC for Advanced YAG Laser Treatment

The West Boca Eye Center is a center of excellence for all things cataract-related. This includes Posterior Capsular Opacification and the simple procedure to cure it once and for all. Headed by the globally-renowned eye surgeon, Dr. Brent Bellotte, the WBEC is a state-of-the-art, academic-grade clinic that’s dedicated to providing its patients with their best possible eyesight throughout their life.Bellotte leads a talented team of clinicians who’re dedicated to carrying out the most advanced cataract treatments available. From cutting-edge laser cataract surgery and the latest IOLs to dedicated YAG laser treatment to zap away any residual clumping proteins post-cataract surgery, there’s no better place in the country to receive any type of cataract treatment.Don’t worry about cataracts or cataracts growing back for a single second more. Visit  https://westbocaeyecenter.com/services/cataract-surgery/ for more information and call our friendly team today to book an initial consultation.