Can cataracts come back after laser surgery?

Cataract surgery is one of the most common and successful procedures in the world. Once the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with a clear one, most people enjoy improved vision for years—often for life.

But some patients notice their vision becoming blurry again months or even years after surgery. Naturally, this leads to an important question: Can cataracts come back after laser surgery?

The good news? No, cataracts can’t come back. But something similar can happen—and the fix is simple.

What Is a Cataract?

A cataract is when the natural lens inside your eye becomes cloudy. This is usually due to ageing, but can also be caused by injury, medication, or certain medical conditions. Cataracts cause blurry vision, glare, poor night vision, and faded colours.

Cataract surgery—whether done with traditional tools or a femtosecond laser—removes this cloudy lens and replaces it with a clear artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL).

Once the natural lens is gone, the cataract itself can’t come back.

So why does my vision feel cloudy again?

If you’ve had cataract surgery and your vision starts getting blurry again, you might be experiencing a condition called posterior capsule opacification (PCO). It’s sometimes called a "secondary cataract", but that’s a bit misleading.

Here’s what really happens:

During your original surgery, the cloudy lens is removed, but a thin membrane behind the lens—called the posterior capsule—is left in place to hold the new artificial lens.

Over time, this capsule can become cloudy or wrinkled. When that happens, light can’t pass through clearly, and your vision may become hazy again. This is not a return of the cataract—but it can feel similar.

How common is posterior capsule opacification?

PCO is quite common. Around 20% to 30% of people will experience it at some point after cataract surgery. It can happen months or even years later. Fortunately, it’s harmless—and very treatable.

How is PCO treated?

The solution is a quick, painless laser procedure called YAG laser capsulotomy. It’s done in the clinic and usually takes just a few minutes.

During the procedure:

1. A laser is used to create a tiny opening in the cloudy capsule.
2. This allows light to pass through again.
3. Vision usually improves within 24 hours.

There are no stitches or incisions, and most people return to normal activities straight away.

Will I need surgery again?

No. YAG laser capsulotomy is a one-time treatment. Once the cloudy capsule is opened, it won’t become cloudy again. And since your artificial lens doesn’t change, the results of your original cataract surgery still hold.

How can I tell If I have PCO?

If your vision becomes blurry again after previously successful cataract surgery, it’s worth booking a check-up. Symptoms of PCO include:

• Gradual blurring of vision
• Increased glare or halos, especially at night
• Difficulty reading or seeing fine details
• Washed-out colours

Sharmina Khan can diagnose PCO with a simple eye exam.

Does it happen more often with laser cataract surgery?

No. PCO can happen whether you’ve had traditional or laser-assisted cataract surgery. The laser used during surgery helps with precision and outcomes, but it doesn’t prevent the capsule from becoming cloudy later on.

However, Sharmina Khan will take steps during your original procedure to reduce the risk of PCO developing by polishing the posterior capsule during the surgery and before lens insertion..

What if I haven't had cataract surgery yet?

If you’re just starting to think about cataract surgery, this information might help ease your concerns. Yes, your vision can become blurry again later—but it’s not the cataract returning. And when it happens, it’s easily treated.

At Sharmina Khan Eye Clinic, we explain the whole journey before you begin. Our goal is to help you understand what to expect, so you feel confident about every step of your care.

So—can cataracts come back after laser surgery? No. But a condition called posterior capsule opacification can cause similar symptoms. Thankfully, it’s quick and easy to fix.

If you’ve had cataract surgery and your vision has become blurry again, don’t worry. You’re not alone. And there’s a simple solution available.

Not sure where to start? Book a free video assessment to see if you might benefit from a follow-up laser treatment—or if you're ready to explore cataract surgery for the first time.