Can cataracts come back after surgery?

Cataract surgery is one of the most successful procedures in modern medicine. It’s quick, safe, and highly effective at restoring vision. But many people ask us, "Can cataracts come back after surgery?"

It’s a good question and one that deserves a clear, reassuring answer.

In this blog, we’ll explain what happens to your eyes after surgery, what some people mistake for a returning cataract, and what you can expect in the years after treatment.

What happens during cataract surgery?

Cataract surgery involves removing the cloudy natural lens and replacing it with a clear, artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL). This lens stays in your eye permanently and doesn't cloud over.

Because the cloudy part (your natural lens) is removed, cataracts cannot come back in the same way.

So why do people think they’ve come back?

Some patients report blurry vision weeks, months, or even years after successful surgery. This is often caused by a condition called:

Posterior Capsular Opacification (PCO)

After surgery, your new lens is placed inside the capsule that once held your natural lens. Over time, this capsule can become cloudy, just like a fogged-up window. It’s not a cataract, but it can cause similar symptoms:

• Blurred or hazy vision
• Glare from lights
• Difficulty seeing clearly, especially at night.

PCO is very common and completely treatable.

How is PCO treated?

PCO is easily treated with a quick outpatient laser procedure called YAG laser capsulotomy. It takes just a few minutes and is completely painless.

Here’s how it works:

• You sit in front of a laser machine
• The doctor uses a laser to create a small opening in the cloudy capsule
• Light can then pass through clearly again.

Most patients notice an improvement in vision within a day or two. There’s no need to repeat cataract surgery, and the issue doesn’t usually return.

Can the artificial lens go cloudy?

No. The artificial intraocular lens implanted during cataract surgery is made from materials like acrylic or silicone, which are designed to stay clear for life.

If your vision becomes blurry, it’s more likely to be due to PCO or another unrelated eye condition, like dry eyes or macular degeneration.

Will I ever need cataract surgery again?

In almost all cases, cataract surgery is a one-time procedure per eye. Once the natural lens has been removed and replaced, the cataract cannot return.

If you do experience cloudy vision years after surgery, it’s likely to be PCO and this is a quick fix.

What if I had surgery many years ago?

Even if your cataract surgery was 10 or 20 years ago, the artificial lens is still doing its job. But it’s not uncommon for PCO to develop slowly over time.

If your vision has changed, don’t assume it’s just old age. A short eye exam can reveal whether PCO or another treatable condition is affecting your sight.

Final thoughts

Cataracts don’t come back after surgery. But a common and easily treatable condition called PCO can cause similar symptoms.

The good news is that it can be fixed quickly with a simple laser procedure and your vision can be clear again.

Take our free self-test to see if you're suitable for cataract surgery.