Post Cataract Lasers

Why do Some People Require a Laser Procedure after Cataract Surgery ?

A Cataract is a clouding of the natural lens in your eye. If you picture your eye built like a camera, a clouded or hazy lens within the camera would be called a cataract. The lens is held in place by a clear membrane called the posterior capsule.

During cataract surgery the cloudy lens is removed and replaced by a clear plastic lens. The posterior capsule is kept in place to support the new plastic lens during the first three months as the lens stabilizes within the eye.

Occasionally the posterior capsule becomes cloudy as a result of the normal healing process within the eye. This can cause glare and decreased vision.

Who Develops Clouding of the Posterior Capsule ?

With older style cataract surgery as many as 45% of people undergoing cataract surgery would develop clouding of the posterior capsule. Now with modern techniques and lenses only about 15% of people need post cataract laser treatment. The younger a person is when they have cataract surgery the more likely the posterior capsule is to become cloudy and the quicker it will occur. For example, children who have congenital cataracts removed will develop clouding of the posterior capsule within days to weeks.

What are the Symptoms of Posterior Capsule Clouding ?

Mild clouding of the posterior capsule has few to no symptoms. However, as it progresses it will begin to cause glare with bright lights much the way the cataract did. Later on, reading, sewing and even watching television can become difficult and not enjoyable due to the progressive blurring and dimming of vision.

How is Clouding of the Posterior Capsule Treated ?

Once clouding of the posterior capsule develops to the point that it is causing difficulty driving, reading, watching television or doing anything else it is a good time to consider post cataract laser treatment.

Post Cataract laser treatment is a quick, painless procedure that takes an average of 5 minutes to complete. It is performed in our own laser suite at the Gabriele Eye Institute. The laser is attached to a slit lamp just like the one used in the exam room. There are no activity restrictions and you don't have to refrain from eating prior to the procedure. The procedure is covered by Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance plans.

Click here to learn about post cataract lasers.