Development of a cataract post-surgery is, I have been told, almost 100% inevitable, but the up-side of this is that vision will improve even more after removal of the cataract. Below are two extracts from an article which will provide reassurance to anyone facing this second procedure:
Results and Complications
Vision typically remains blurred for several weeks, but distortion usually disappears within the first month. Because of the high incidence of accelerated cataract formation after vitrectomy, many patients do not reach optimal visual acuity before cataract surgery is also performed.
Retinal detachment was previously a more common occurrence, but has greatly diminished since the introduction of wide field operation systems. These allow far better visualisation of the retinal periphery, enabling the surgeon to detect and timeously treat retinal breaks.Optimal visual acuity, when cataract is dealt with, is usually seen between 4 and 18 months post-operatively.
Recurrence of membranes may rarely occur and seldom reach visually significant proportions. Endophthalmitis, as with other intra-ocular procedures, is a rare, but potentially devastating complication. The visual results of epiretinal membrane removal are generally excellent, but as with any procedure, the patient should be aware of the risks and be prepared for a gradual recovery.
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Treatment and Indications
As data accumulates, it is now clear that all cases of full-thickness macular holes benefit from surgical closure. Even cases of very long-standing holes, which were thought to be unlikely to improve, have shown benefit from surgery. Likewise, traumatic holes, although not as favourable in prognosis as idiopathic holes, also show worthwhile improvement.
With current surgical techniques, primary closure can be expected in over 90% of cases and close to 100% of unsuccessful first attempts close after a second procedure. There is general agreement that surgery should include posterior vitreous cortex removal and epiretinal membrane/ILM peeling, with long acting gas tamponade (C3F8). Adjunctive agents such as tissue glues and platelet concentrates have largely been abandoned since the advent of ILM peeling. As with epiretinal membranes, accelerated cataract is expected.
Retinal detachment, as a complication, has dramatically reduced since the introduction of wide-field operating systems. Vision may already improve within the first six months, but often take 12 to 18 months to reach optimal improvement. A recent study has shown that, once cataract is removed, continuous improvement have been documented for up to five years after successful hole closure.
More Information
For more informaion about this area please have a look at this helpful website: