Can You Have Cataract Surgery Twice? How It Actually Works

Yes, you can have a second cataract surgery, but it’s not the same as the first time. You typically need cataract surgery once, but you might need it a second time because of something called secondary cataracts.

Secondary cataracts are not the same as having another cataract grow back.

What Are Secondary Cataracts?

Secondary cataracts don’t mean the cataract has come back. After your first surgery, a small part of the tissue behind the new artificial intraocular lens could become cloudy. This can happen months or years after the initial surgery. Secondary cataracts are what we call posterior capsular opacification.

How Do Secondary Cataracts Affect Vision?

Secondary cataracts can significantly impact vision, even after replacing your cloudy natural lens. This is because the clouded tissue stops light from passing through properly, leading to blurry vision. You may also have problems with bright lights or glare.

How Is Posterior Capsule Opacification Addressed?

You don’t need to have full cataract surgery again. Your doctor can handle secondary cataracts with a simple procedure called YAG laser capsulotomy.

This laser can clear the clouded tissue behind your artificial lens. The procedure only takes a few minutes, and you should regain clear vision afterwards. You won’t need to stay in the hospital and can usually resume normal activities the next day.

Recovery After Cataract Surgery And YAG Laser Treatment

After cataract surgery, you might feel a little discomfort for a few days. Your doctor will give you eye drops to help heal your eyes. You may feel better quickly after cataract surgery.

Recovery is even faster after the YAG laser treatment for secondary cataracts. The clouded lens can often be treated right away, and the next day, you can often return to your usual activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I feel pain during the YAG laser procedure?

The YAG laser procedure doesn’t hurt much. You may feel light pressure in your eye, but it’s usually not that painful.

Can secondary cataracts affect both eyes after cataract surgery?

Yes, secondary cataracts can affect both eyes, though it doesn’t always happen. If you had cataract surgery on both eyes, one eye may get a secondary cataract before the other. Each eye would be handled separately with the YAG laser.

Can I drive after cataract surgery or the YAG laser procedure?

You must wait a few days after performing cataract surgery. After the YAG laser procedure, you may drive the next day, but you should ask your doctor first.

Can I still use contact lenses after surgery?

Yes, you can still wear contact lenses after surgery if you need them. Your eye doctor will help you decide if they are still okay for your eyes.

Is there any care needed after the YAG laser treatment?

After the YAG laser procedure, your eye doctor may suggest using eye drops to help your eye heal. It’s also important not to rub your eyes and to go to follow-up appointments to check that your eye is healing well.

Will I need glasses after the YAG laser procedure?

You should see better after the YAG laser treatment. But you may still need glasses for reading or other close-up work. Your eye doctor will help you figure out what’s best for your vision.

Conclusion

You usually don’t need lens replacement surgery twice on the same eye. If your vision gets blurry after cataract surgery, it’s most likely caused by secondary cataracts. The good news is that these can be handled quickly with the YAG laser procedure.

If you have any concerns about your vision, it’s always best to talk to an eye doctor. They can help you understand your options and guide you through any necessary treatments.

If you have questions about secondary cataracts and the YAG laser treatment, our friendly eye doctors are here to help.

Contact Armadale Eye Clinic at (03) 9070 5753 to start your journey to a better vision. We’re here in Melbourne to support you every step of the way.

Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

Sources

Cleveland Clinic 2023. Posterior Capsular Opacification. Cleveland Clinic. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24737-posterior-capsular-opacification [Accessed January 10, 2025]

Hersh E 2023. Can Cataracts Come Back After Surgery? Healthline. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/can-cataracts-come-back [Accessed January 10, 2025]

Mukamal R 2022. Cataract Surgery Recovery: Exercising, Driving and Other Activities. American Academy of Ophthalmology. Available at: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/safe-exercise-driving-cataract-surgery-recovery [Accessed January 10, 2025]