What is a secondary cataract?
A.) Of all the patients undergoing cataract surgery every year, a significant percent will develop a secondary cataract. A secondary cataract is not a cataract at all, but rather it is a clouding of the remaining posterior capsular bag, which originally held the natural lens. This clouding can decrease vision just like the original cataract that was removed. Hence the name is “secondary cataract”. To restore vision, an opening must be made in this cloudy membrane. Using a YAG laser, it is now possible to perform this procedure in the office without actually inserting an instrument into the eye.
