Can cataract surgery be repeated?

Can cataract surgery be done a second time to get a more correct vision improvement?

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

No the cataract is removed with the first operation. In some cases (unusual) the IOL power is way off and it leaves the person with a need for thick glasses. In these cases the IOL is often removed ("IOL Exchange") and a IOL with a different power put in the eye. The final visual result after cataract surgery varies because the other parts of the eye especially the retina, macula and optic nerve may also have diseases, be affected by age or just stronger in one person than another. You don't get a new eye when you get and IOL just a new lens (like putting new tires on a used car, only the tires are new).

JCH MD

JCH MD

[gigs924]

Is an IOL exchange an intensive surgery?  What are the risks?

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Yes, IOL exchange is a big operation. Risks include infection, bleeding, swelling and inflammation of the eye and/or macula, retinal detachment, residual IOP power problems. Very rare risk of loss of the eye.

JCH MD