In some cases when an individual is diagnosed with having cataracts and they have caused a significant loss of vision, the decision is made to have them surgically removed.
This type of surgery is called "extracapsular cataract extraction" and consists of the removal of the cataract as well as the lens leaving the capsule or outer shell of the lens behind in order implant the artificial lens.
In some cases after having this type of surgery, a condition known as secondary cataracts can occur.
Some estimates show that approximately thirty percent of individuals who undergo cataract surgery will develop this condition within one to five years.
The Cause of Secondary Cataracts During the procedure to remove the lens in cataract surgery, the inner contents of the lens including the particles of the cataract are broken down and removed leaving the capsule or back of the lens intact.
In some cases, tiny particles or cells of the cataract are unintentionally left behind and overtime these will begin to form a membrane or film over the artificial lens causing the same or very similar symptoms as the original cataract.
This condition is known as a "secondary membrane" or "secondary cataract".
Fortunately, this condition can be treated with a form of laser surgery.
Treatment of Secondary Cataracts The process of removing secondary cataracts is accomplished with the use of "YAG" or "yttrium aluminium laser" that removes the secondary cataract with no incision or contact with the eye.
This procedure is typically safe, effective and relatively quick and can be accomplished in a doctor's office within several minutes.
Contrary to what many people believe, this is the only type of laser procedure used in the treatment of cataracts as there has been no form of laser surgery approved to be utilized as of today in cataract removal surgery.