degenerating lenses

Whats the likelihood that an IOL will degenerate(over a lifetime)? I was a teenager when I had cataract surgeries(both eyes),I don't expect they'll last another 60 years! Also if there is little(not enough to effect vision) post-surgery clouding 7 yrs later is it likely it never will be necessary for YAG. Thanks.

[Forum-OD-MP]

an iol will likely never degenerate.  they should easily last another 60 years.  you could grow cells or fiber on the capsule (posterior capsular opacification) requiring YAG capsulotomy at any time.

[Eye Guy]

The Forum doctor is right on the money. Unless problems occur, and as long as you have functional vision you will be advised to leave it alone.  If problems due happen, YAG is the least of them. The biggest situation would be lens exchange surgery, and probably anterior chamber, if the capsular bag is to weak to support a posterior lens. Most IOL's stay inert for a lifetime.  The newer lenses have UV protection and are made of acrylic, but that's just because they fold them to go into a smaller incision size. You should have been given a card with your original surgery to carry with you at all times to let a hospital know you have a lens implant.  If you lost/don't have it, the hospital where you had your surgery, or the original surgeon should both have a record of the type, company, power and size of the IOL.