If you’ve had cataract surgery—or are preparing for it—you might be wondering: Can cataracts come back? The short answer is: not exactly. Once a cataract is removed, it doesn’t grow back—but sometimes, something very similar can happen.
At Eye Sea Davis Optometry, we get this question often from patients who want to know what to expect after cataract surgery. In this post, we’ll break down what cataracts are, what happens during surgery, and what you need to know about posterior capsule opacification (PCO)—often called a “secondary cataract.”
What Are Cataracts?
A cataract is the clouding of the eye’s natural lens. This lens sits just behind your iris and helps focus light onto the retina. Over time, proteins in the lens clump together, making it harder to see clearly. Cataracts can develop slowly, causing:
- Blurry or dim vision
- Glare or halos around lights
- Faded color perception
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Frequent changes in glasses prescription
Cataracts are most common with age, but they can also result from diabetes, steroid use, eye injuries, or long-term UV exposure.
What Happens During Cataract Surgery?
During cataract surgery, your eye surgeon removes the cloudy natural lens and replaces it with a clear artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL). This lens is designed to last a lifetime and does not develop new cataracts.
Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most common procedures performed in the U.S., and recovery is generally quick with dramatic improvements in vision.
So, Can Cataracts Come Back?
Here’s the key: the cataract itself cannot grow back, because your natural lens has been removed. However, some patients experience vision changes months or years after surgery that feel a lot like the cataract is returning.
What’s actually happening is posterior capsule opacification (PCO).
What Is Posterior Capsule Opacification (PCO)?
During cataract surgery, the back portion of your lens capsule (which holds the lens in place) is left intact to support the new intraocular lens. Over time, this membrane can become cloudy or wrinkled. This condition—PCO—can cause symptoms very similar to cataracts:
- Blurry or hazy vision
- Glare and halos, especially at night
- Trouble reading or seeing detail
PCO is often referred to as a “secondary cataract,” but it’s important to understand that this isn’t a true cataract. It’s a normal and treatable side effect of cataract surgery.
How Is PCO Treated?
The solution is quick, painless, and done in-office with a procedure called YAG laser capsulotomy. This laser treatment creates a small opening in the cloudy capsule to restore the path of light to the retina.
- No incisions, stitches, or sedation are needed
- The procedure takes only a few minutes
- Vision typically improves within 24–48 hours
At Eye Sea Davis Optometry, we work closely with your cataract surgeon or refer you to trusted local ophthalmologists for YAG treatment if PCO develops. We also monitor your eye health long after surgery to ensure you continue seeing clearly.
Can You Prevent PCO?
While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent posterior capsule opacification, certain things can help:
- Modern IOL designs: Many newer lens implants reduce the likelihood of PCO forming.
- Healthy eyes: Keeping your eyes healthy through UV protection, managing chronic conditions, and regular eye exams may help reduce risk.
- Follow-ups: Attending all post-surgical eye exams ensures early detection and quick treatment.
If you had cataract surgery years ago and are now experiencing symptoms like glare, blurriness, or difficulty reading, you may have PCO—and it’s worth coming in for an evaluation.
When Should You Call Your Optometrist?
Even after successful cataract surgery, it’s important to monitor your vision over time. Schedule a comprehensive eye exam if you notice:
- A decline in your vision
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Changes in how you perceive colors or contrast
- Trouble with night driving
- A return of glare or halos around lights
At Eye Sea Davis Optometry, we’ll perform a thorough eye health check, visual acuity testing, and retinal imaging if needed to assess whether your symptoms are due to PCO or another issue.
Final Thought
So, can cataracts come back? No—but the effects of posterior capsule opacification can mimic cataract symptoms. The good news? It’s treatable, fast, and doesn’t require another surgery.
If you or a loved one is experiencing vision changes after cataract surgery, don’t wait. We’re here to help you see clearly, stay informed, and protect your vision for the long haul.
Book your eye exam today with Eye Sea Davis Optometry—your trusted eye care team in Davis, CA.
