Eye condition

Secondary cataract after cataract surgery

A secondary cataract is not a new cataract. After cataract surgery the posterior lens capsule can become cloudy months or years later. As a result vision seems blurred or glary again.

Anatomical illustration: eye with an artificial lens in the capsular bag and a clouded posterior capsule

Schematic illustration for explanation – medical approval required.

How the treatment works

First a vision test, an explanation and drops to dilate the pupil. You then sit at the laser slit lamp and rest your chin on the support; sometimes a contact lens is used. The treatment takes a few minutes, and flashes of light and clicking sounds are normal.

Immediately afterwards

Vision is blurred at first, and sunglasses are helpful. Please do not drive yourself on the day of treatment. Vision often becomes clearer within hours to days.

In the days that follow

Slight glare or individual floating dots can occur temporarily. Please attend the agreed check-ups.

Possible, rare risks

A temporary rise in intraocular pressure, irritation or inflammation, in rare cases a retinal tear or retinal detachment, and very rarely damage to the artificial lens.

Typical symptoms

Blurred vision
Glare and halos
Reduced contrast
Reading becomes harder
Increased sensitivity to light

The symptoms often develop gradually – many people initially take them for a new spectacle prescription.

How we examine

A vision test and examination at the slit lamp. This lets us see directly whether the posterior capsule is clouded and whether the symptoms fit.

How we treat

YAG laser capsulotomy opens the clouded posterior capsule in the centre, so that light can again reach the retina unhindered. The artificial lens stays in the eye. The treatment is performed as an outpatient, is quick and usually painless.

To the matching treatment →

When you should act quickly

More severe pain, a marked deterioration of vision, new flashes of light, strikingly many black dots or a shadow in the field of vision: please have this assessed by an ophthalmologist promptly.