Aftercataract

/ˈæftərˌkætərˌækt/ noun

Definition

A clouding of vision that develops after cataract surgery, caused by thickening of the lens capsule left behind during the operation.

Etymology

Compound of 'after' and 'cataract' (from Greek katarrhaktes, 'waterfall'). A medical term that became common in the 20th century after cataract surgery became standard.

Kelly Says

Aftercataracts happen in about 20% of cataract surgeries, and they're frustrating because they're technically not a 'cataract'—the eye tissue heals and clouds up instead. The good news is modern laser treatment (YAG capsulotomy) fixes it in seconds.

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