Secondary cataract: causes, symptoms, treatment

Cataract removal is a routine operation in any eye microsurgery center. Lens replacement is most often quick and painless, and patients regain the ability to see. But some of them develop secondary cataracts over time - the formation of an opaque film on the walls of the posterior part of the lens capsule, which significantly reduces visual acuity.

Causes of secondary cataracts

After replacing the lens, it is impossible to assume that the pathology will develop again and when this will happen. For some reason, after pseudophakia in the back of the eye, from which the clouded lens was removed, connective tissue begins to grow. It does not transmit light well, which affects the quality of vision.

The reasons for this phenomenon may be:

• age – in young people, secondary cataracts are diagnosed more often;
• chronic diseases - for example, autoimmune diseases, which can provoke inflammation of the eyeball;
• Unsuitable artificial lens - a complication can be caused by a mismatch in its size or material of manufacture. It is better to use artificial lenses based on hydrophobic acrylic.

With pseudophakia of the eye - what it is is easy to explain, since this is an eye with an implanted artificial lens - the formation of fibrosis in the back of the eye occurs gradually. Therefore, if there is the slightest decrease in visual acuity, you should consult a doctor.

Symptoms of secondary cataract

In its characteristics, the complication is very similar to primary lens opacification.

• deterioration of vision, especially in the evening and at night;
• decreased color perception;
• the appearance of black and white dots and glare in front of the eyes in bright light;
• violation of image clarity, doubling, fogginess;
• no changes in condition when changing glasses or lenses.

If the process of formation of fibrous tissue begins at the edges of the capsule, then there will be no symptomatic manifestations. This is why it is so important to visit your ophthalmologist regularly for routine checkups after primary cataract surgery. Only in this way will it be possible to identify the development of complications and take timely measures to treat cataracts with a laser at a cost commensurate with the restoration of normal vision.

Diagnostics of secondary cataract

There are several types of secondary cataracts, which differ in the cellular composition of the resulting film:

• fibrous – proliferation of connective tissue;
• proliferative or regenerative - the presence of epithelial cells of the removed lens;
• neovascular – formation of a dense membrane on the capsule wall.

There is also a mixed form, when signs of all individual species are present.

To identify pathology, determine its type and choose the right treatment, in the ophthalmology clinic An instrumental examination of visual acuity, biomicroscopy, and intraocular pressure are measured. If necessary, ultrasound of the eyes and OCT - optical coherence tomography - are prescribed.

Treatment of secondary cataracts

Surgical intervention to remove secondary cataracts is rarely performed today - the risk of developing serious complications is too great. The most effective treatment of secondary cataracts is after replacing the lens with a laser at a price that includes the main cost of the necessary expenses.

The procedure is called YAG laser dissection and involves removing part of the posterior lens capsule covered with a cloudy film. The treatment is minimally invasive, carried out on an outpatient basis and lasts no more than 10-15 minutes, after which the patient goes home and can start working the next day. The main thing is to observe moderation in physical activity, not to get too cold or overheat. There are practically no complications after laser treatment, vision is completely restored.