Cataract Surgery, Chesterfield Office, West County Ophthalmology Team
Cataract surgery is one of the most successful medical procedures available, and for a good reason it delivers lasting, life-changing results for people with cloudy vision. But if your vision has started to feel hazy again since your procedure, you may be concerned.
Rest assured that cataracts do not return after surgery. However, there is another common and treatable explanation for these symptoms. Posterior capsular opacification (PCO), sometimes referred to as a “secondary cataract,” occurs when the posterior capsule becomes cloudy. This can happen months or even years after your initial surgery and may cause signs of cataracts, like poor visibility or blurry vision.
At West County Ophthalmology in Chesterfield, MO, our team is here to help you understand and protect your vision. Call us today to learn more and book a consultation.
What are cataracts?
First, many people want to know: What are cataracts? A cataract forms when the natural lens inside the eye becomes cloudy over time, most likely due to aging. As this lens becomes cloudy, it prevents light from passing through clearly, which leads to a range of vision problems. You might notice that your vision is becoming blurry or hazy, that it’s harder to see in dim lighting, or that you’re experiencing more glare from headlights at night. Colors might also start to look faded or yellowish.
If left untreated, cataracts can progress and seriously affect your ability to read, drive, or recognize faces. This is when cataract surgery is often recommended.
How cataract surgery improves your vision
Cataract surgery is a straightforward procedure that addresses the problem at the source. During surgery, the cloudy natural lens is removed and replaced with a clear one known as an intraocular lens (IOL). This new lens restores sharp, comfortable vision. Because the natural lens is taken out, a cataract cannot form again in that eye. Symptoms such as blurred vision typically resolve quickly, with most patients noticing a dramatic improvement almost immediately after surgery.
Understanding posterior capsular opacification
PCO is the most common reason patients experience blurry vision after cataract surgery. During the initial cataract procedure, a thin membrane called the posterior capsule is left in place to support the artificial lens. Over time, residual cells can cause this membrane to become cloudy, producing symptoms that closely resemble the original signs of cataracts. It is not a new cataract, but it can feel like one. The good news is that PCO is easily treated with a quick, virtually painless in-office procedure.
When to see our ophthalmology team
Any noticeable change in your vision after cataract surgery is worth a conversation with one of our professionals at West County Ophthalmology in Chesterfield, MO. Blurry vision, poor visibility at night, or increased sensitivity to glare in the months or years following your procedure are all reasons to come in and get checked. Our trained team can perform a comprehensive evaluation and find out what is happening before walking you through the right next steps.
Get clearer vision with cataract solutions
Your cataract surgery results are meant to last, and returning vision changes, like poor visibility, don’t have to be a cause for concern. If you have questions such as, “What are cataracts?” or “Why am I noticing signs of cataracts after my procedure?”, we have the answers. At West County Ophthalmology in Chesterfield, MO, our team is committed to supporting your long-term vision health every step of the way. To find out more, call today and schedule your consultation.