Posterior cataracts are a type of clouding on the posterior capsular bag of the original lens, which is broken by a laser shot, thus improving the patient’s vision and usually not recurring.
Cataract surgery involves tearing away the anterior capsule of the lens and removing the cloudy contents inside. The remaining posterior capsule is preserved and resembles a pocket in which the IOL is placed. Due to the gap between the IOL and the posterior capsule, the remaining lens cells will divide and regenerate in small numbers, and climb and attach to the posterior capsule, thus forming a posterior cataract.
The laser is used to cut the posterior capsule with laser energy, and the patient’s vision is restored after the cloudy capsule is removed. Because there is no capsule to attach to, there is usually no recurrence.
Patients with posterior cataracts are advised to seek prompt medical attention to evaluate their condition and follow the doctor’s instructions.