cataract after vitrectomy

[gigs924]

I had cataracts removed 2 years ago, a vitrectomy 6 months ago,  is it possible to get cataracts again following the vitrectomy?

[hsum4]

Dear Doctor Hagan:

I was informed that the Capsulotomy can send the IOL to the back of the eye and/or cause retinal detachment if heavy floaters are present.  The laser is very powerful.

Out of curiousity my retinal specialist told me that the capsule could be opened during a Vitrectomy with a tool is this true? Is this procedure more dangerous than a Capsulotomy performed with a laser?

Thank you
hsum4

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

Yag laser capsulotomy is the easiest, quickest, safest operation than any ophthalmologist does.

JCH MD

[hsum4]

Is the Capsulotomy dangerous?  I understand the capsule is shrink wrapped to the eye in the laser process.  Can't this damage the inside of the eye, retina or vessels?

hsum4

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

Almost all vitrectomies are followed by cataracts in patients that have NOT had their natural lens removed. If the eye has an implant a cataraact will not form. Vitrectomies may or may not cause the need for a yag capsulotomy in a patient with an IOL

JCH MD

[gigs924]

Is this possibly a result of the vitrectomy?

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

What people often refer to as "the cataract coming back" is generally clouding of the posterior capsule of the human lens that was left in the eye to hold the implant in place. In perhaps 25-30% of the cases it will cloud over causing blurred vision and light sensitivity. To correct this a quick, simple, painless procedure called a yag laser capsulotomy is done.

JCH MD

[JodieJ]

It is not possible for a cataract to develop in an implant.