Cataract & presbyopia
Secondary cataract treatment Korea: clearing cloudy vision after surgery
Vision turning cloudy again after cataract surgery does not mean the cataract came back. It is usually posterior capsule opacification, also called a secondary cataract. Secondary cataract treatment Korea patients receive at Sky Eye Clinic is a simple outpatient laser procedure that fits around daily life.
What a secondary cataract is
During cataract surgery, the cloudy lens is removed and an artificial lens (IOL) is placed in the original lens capsule, sometimes called the bag. Over time, cells left on the back of the capsule can grow and migrate. They form a cloudy membrane that makes vision hazy again, much like your symptoms before surgery.
This is posterior capsule opacification (PCO). It is not a new cataract.
Want to know how the first operation works? See presbyopia and cataract symptoms and causes for the surgical steps, and our IOL guide for the lenses.
PCO symptoms and timing
The main symptom is cloudy vision after surgery, as if the cataract has returned. After cataract surgery, PCO occurs in about 10 to 20% of patients, on average within 3 to 4 years.
Timing varies a lot. It can start as early as 3 to 4 months after surgery or several years later. If your vision turns hazy again at any point, book an eye exam so we can confirm the cause.
- Vision turns cloudy or blurry after it had cleared.
- The problem returns months or years after cataract surgery.
- A cloudy membrane has formed behind the artificial lens.
How the laser treatment works
PCO treatment is a simple outpatient procedure that does not get in the way of daily life. A laser opens the cloudy membrane so light can pass through, restoring your earlier vision. After treatment, it does not recur.
- Pupil dilation
Drops widen your pupil so we can confirm the posterior capsule opacification.
- Topical anesthesia
Anesthetic eye drops reduce discomfort.
- Laser treatment
The laser makes an opening in the cloudy membrane to let light through.
Afterward, general eye care still matters. Review our cataract surgery recovery guide and the cataract and presbyopia center. Cloudy vision returning? Book your free consultation.
Questions answered
What is a secondary cataract?
Cells from the remaining back part of the lens capsule grow and form a cloudy membrane behind the artificial lens. Vision turns hazy again, much like the original cataract.
How common is PCO after cataract surgery?
It occurs in about 10 to 20% of patients, on average within 3 to 4 years. It can appear as early as 3 to 4 months or as late as several years afterward.
How is secondary cataract treated?
With a simple outpatient laser procedure. After dilating the pupil and numbing the eye with drops, the laser opens the cloudy membrane so light passes through.
Can it come back after laser treatment?
According to our clinical information, it does not recur after treatment.
Get your free consultation before you decide
- Free consultation and checkup, even if you decide against surgery
- Same price as Korean patients, no overseas surcharge
- Interpreters in English, Japanese and Chinese
