Close to one in five people over the age of 40 has cataracts, according to the Cleveland Clinic. The condition affects tens of millions of people in the United States.
If you’ve recently developed cataracts or had surgery to remove them, you may be wondering, “Can cataracts come back?” Is cataract regrowth possible?
Read on to learn all about cataracts and how maintaining aging eyes can contribute to senior wellness, along with other Mission eye care tips.
What Are Cataracts?
Cataracts occur when the lens of your eye becomes cloudy. There are four main types of cataracts:
Age-Related Cataracts
Age-related cataracts are the most well-known subtype. Specifically, the proteins in your lens begin to break down as you age, which causes cloudiness in your eyes and majorly impairs your vision.
Pediatric Cataracts
Although cataracts are most commonly associated with older individuals, babies and children can also develop them. Sometimes babies are born with cataracts, while others can develop them due to illness or injury.
Secondary Cataracts
The term “secondary cataracts” colloquially refers to posterior capsular opacification, a potential complication of cataract surgery. Cloudy patches appear on your new lens capsules following the procedure, which need to be treated promptly to avoid further issues.
Traumatic Cataracts
Injuries to the eye can cause cataracts to form. Treatment for these types of cataracts may be complex. Due to the nature of the eye injury, other repairs may be required for the cataract removal procedure to be successful.
Signs You May Need Surgery
Once you start to notice the signs of cataracts, there is a good chance you will need a surgical procedure to correct them. Cataracts may slow in growth but cannot be resolved without surgical removal.
Here are some key symptoms you may experience leading to the necessity for cataract surgery:
Driving Problems
Are you having trouble reading street signs? Do you avoid driving at night or in bad weather? If you struggle to operate a vehicle, it may be time to consider cataract surgery.
Double Vision
Cataracts can cause double vision in one or both eyes. When light enters the eye, the cloudiness of the lens causes it to scatter unevenly, producing multiple images.
Inability to Read
Reading can get more difficult with cataracts, as the cloudiness of your vision will not allow you to see text very clearly. When you need light to read, it may cause irritating symptoms due to the glare as well.
Needing Brighter Light
While sufficient light is important for reading, needing more light over time can indicate that something is wrong. Turn the lights to a normal level and see if you can still read or see clearly without the strong, bright light.
Changing Eye Prescriptions
Has your eyeglass prescription deteriorated rapidly in recent years? The primary cause could be cataracts. Ask your eye doctor if it is worth it to get surgery to remove the cataracts.
The Procedure
Although cataract removal surgery may seem daunting, the actual procedure is relatively straightforward:
- The doctor will numb the area with local anesthesia, such as eye drops.
- They will make a small incision in the cornea, or the front part of the eye.
- They will use a laser or ultrasound waves to break up the cataract and the lens, then suction out the remainder of the lens.
- They will insert the new, artificial lens as a replacement.
- Most cataract procedures don’t require stitches or other methods to “close,” as they tend to heal on their own.
Your doctor will either place a monofocal lens, made for patients with vision problems at a single distance, or a multifocal lens, which corrects vision at multiple distances.
Risks of Cataract Surgery
Like any medical procedure, the cataract removal surgery is not without risks. Some of the most common risks associated with this procedure include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Retinal detachment
If you have any concerns regarding these risks, discuss them with your doctor beforehand.
Aftercare
Following your medical team’s advice for recovery aids quicker healing and reduces complications.
You may begin to see results within a few days after surgery, but be prepared to wait several weeks for full recovery. Your eyes have experienced a major trauma and need to adjust to the new lenses as well.
Your doctor may prescribe eye drops to reduce inflammation and clean the area, thereby minimizing the risk of infection. Avoid getting water in your eyes, as well as activities such as health and fitness classes, until you’re fully healed.
Ensure you rest as needed. For instance, if you reside in a senior living community, it is advisable to wait until your vision is fully restored before resuming normal activities.
Can Cataracts Come Back After Surgery?
Technically, cataract symptoms can reappear after surgery as secondary cataracts, often related to complications with the artificial lenses in your eyes. However, true cataracts can’t return.
Secondary cataracts can appear anywhere from days to years after the cataract procedure. It is important to keep an eye out for symptoms and address them with your doctor as soon as they appear, such as floaters or small pieces of debris in your field of vision.
According to USF Health, around 20% of cataract patients will develop secondary cataracts following the procedure. The treatment for secondary cataracts is a YAG laser capsulotomy, where a targeted laser creates a hole for light to pass through. The laser will break up the secondary cataract to restore clear vision for the patient.
Care for Your Vision Health at The Welstone at Mission Crossing
Can cataracts come back? It’s complicated. Although the original cataracts cannot return, certain conditions can cause secondary symptoms following surgery.
At The Welstone at Mission Crossing, we focus on caring for every element of your body, both physically and mentally. Our caring and attentive staff work hard to create a unique independent living experience for our residents, from chef-prepared dining to housekeeping services.
Are you interested in transitioning to senior living? Reach out to us today to learn more about our stunning location in Kansas City, KS, or schedule a tour to see it for yourself. We can’t wait to hear from you!
