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Secondary cataract is a common medical condition that occurs after cataract surgery, and causes blurred vision similar to that of primary cataract. Many patients who undergo cataract surgery experience changes in the artificial eye lens over time, which can cause cloudiness to appear in the posterior capsule of the lens. This phenomenon is known as secondary cataract. At Maccabi Health Services, you can receive an accurate diagnosis for secondary cataract and treat it using advanced laser technology, known as YAG Laser Capsulotomy. This treatment allows for rapid improvement in the quality of vision without the need for additional surgery. It is important to understand the causes of the phenomenon, the methods of diagnosis and treatment, and the options that Maccabi offers to restore normal vision quickly and safely.
What is a secondary cataract and how is it related to Maccabi ?
Secondary cataract is a medical condition in which the intraocular lens implanted in the eye during cataract surgery remains clear, but the posterior capsule in which it is located becomes cloudy. This condition occurs when cells left behind after surgery multiply on the capsule, creating an opaque layer that obstructs the passage of light.
Maccabi Health Services offers its insureds a variety of services for the diagnosis and treatment of secondary cataracts, including comprehensive eye examinations performed by specialist ophthalmologists. The most effective treatment for this condition is laser yag treatment, which is performed painlessly and without the need for hospitalization. Within Maccabi, the procedure can be performed at licensed institutes and clinics, while eligibility for treatment may depend on the patient’s insurance plan.
It is important to seek an eye examination in the event of blurred vision after cataract surgery, in order to receive an accurate diagnosis and tailor the appropriate treatment to restore sharp vision.
Symptoms of secondary cataracts – When to see an ophthalmologist ?
Secondary cataracts can occur months or years after cataract surgery, causing a gradual decline in vision. One of the first signs of the problem is a feeling of blurred vision, reminiscent of the symptoms that were present before the original surgery. Many patients report decreased visual acuity, difficulty reading, a feeling of glare, especially in bright light or when driving at night, and a decreased ability to see small details.
When these symptoms appear, it is recommended to consult an ophthalmologist for diagnosis. The doctor will perform a thorough examination that includes looking at the posterior capsule of the lens with a slit lamp to identify the degree of cloudiness. If it is indeed a secondary cataract, vision can be improved quickly with Yag laser treatment, which redirects the passage of light through the lens and allows for a return to sharp and clear vision.
Causes of secondary cataracts Maccabi
Secondary cataracts are caused by the proliferation of epithelial cells left behind after cataract surgery on the posterior capsule of the lens. These cells gradually begin to grow and form a cloudy layer that blocks the passage of light into the eye.
The risk of developing secondary cataracts depends on several factors, including the patient’s age, the type of lens implanted during cataract surgery, and the surgical technique used. Younger patients tend to develop secondary cataracts more frequently because their cellular response is increased. In addition, the use of certain intraocular lenses may reduce the risk of posterior capsule opacification, due to their unique design that prevents the accumulation of cells in this area.
Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or inflammatory eye diseases, may also increase the risk of secondary cataract formation. However, this is a treatable problem, and when detected, it can be treated relatively easily with a YAG laser, which restores vision without the need for further surgery.
How is secondary cataract diagnosed in Maccabi ?
Secondary cataract diagnosis is performed during a comprehensive eye examination by a specialist ophthalmologist. At Maccabi Health Services, you can undergo specialized tests aimed at identifying the cloudiness that has formed in the posterior capsule of the intraocular lens.
During the examination, the doctor uses a slit lamp – a device that allows the internal structures of the eye, including the lens and the capsule around it, to be illuminated and magnified. If the doctor detects cloudiness in the posterior capsule, he or she will diagnose the condition as a secondary cataract. In some cases, the patient may undergo a visual acuity test or other tests to assess the extent of vision impairment.
At Maccabi, you can schedule an examination through licensed ophthalmologists or contact eye clinics that specialize in this. Diagnosis is especially important for patients who experience blurred vision, blindness, or decreased vision quality after cataract surgery. If a secondary cataract is identified, it can be treated effectively and quickly with laser treatment.
Maccabi Secondary Cataract Treatments – How can vision be improved ?
The most effective treatment for secondary cataracts is YAG Laser Capsulotomy, which is performed quickly and painlessly. Within Maccabi Health Services, this treatment can be obtained at eye clinics that specialize in this type of procedure.
During the treatment, the eye doctor uses a special laser to create a small opening in the cloudy posterior capsule. This allows light to pass through unhindered, improving vision within minutes. The procedure itself only takes a few minutes and does not require anesthesia or a long recovery period. Most patients report significant improvement in visual acuity the next day.
The significant advantage of laser treatment with Yag is that the result is permanent – the secondary cataract will not return after the procedure. However, it is important to undergo follow-up with an ophthalmologist to ensure that vision is preserved and that there are no further complications.
At Maccabi, you can check your eligibility for treatment according to your insurance plan, and have the procedure performed at approved medical centers. If symptoms such as decreased visual acuity or blindness appear, it is recommended that you contact an ophthalmologist as soon as possible to restore your vision to its best level.
Yag laser for secondary cataracts in Maccabi – the advanced solution to the problem
YAG Laser Capsulotomy is the most effective and fastest treatment for secondary cataracts, and Maccabi Health Services allows patients to undergo the procedure in advanced eye clinics. The treatment is performed without the need for invasive surgery, is painless, and takes only a few minutes.
During the procedure, the eye doctor uses a focused laser to create a small opening in the posterior capsule of the intraocular lens, allowing light to pass freely to the retina. As a result, vision improves immediately, without the need for a long recovery period. Most patients experience significant improvement in vision within a few hours to days after treatment.
One of the most notable advantages of the YAG laser is that the results are permanent – after treatment, the cloudiness does not return. The procedure is extremely safe, with a low risk of side effects, and is recommended for those suffering from decreased vision due to secondary cataracts.
At Maccabi, you can check your eligibility for treatment according to your insurance plan, and receive a referral to clinics authorized to perform the procedure. In the event of recurring blurred vision after cataract surgery, it is recommended that you seek immediate medical attention from an ophthalmologist to determine whether treatment with a Yag laser is necessary.
Is it possible to prevent the appearance of secondary cataracts after cataract surgery ?
Although secondary cataracts are common after cataract surgery, there are ways to reduce the risk of developing them. One of the most influential factors is the type of lens implanted in the eye during surgery. Studies have shown that intraocular lenses with a unique design and high-quality material may reduce the risk of posterior capsule opacities.
Additionally, the surgical method itself can have an impact. Doctors who use advanced surgical techniques, such as thoroughly cleaning the lens cells during surgery, can reduce the chance of secondary cataract formation in the future.
However, in many cases, secondary cataracts cannot be completely prevented, as they are a natural reaction of the eye to the surgical procedure. Therefore, even if a patient receives the most advanced treatment, there is a possibility that in the future, cloudiness will develop that will require treatment with a YAG laser.
In any case, it is important to be monitored after cataract surgery and to have regular checkups with an ophthalmologist. If symptoms such as decreased visual acuity or blindness appear, you should seek an examination to determine whether it is a secondary cataract and decide on appropriate treatment in a timely manner.
How much does treatment cost at Maccabi ?
The cost of secondary cataract treatment using a Yag laser at Maccabi varies depending on the insured’s insurance plan and the location of the procedure. For insured people with basic insurance (health basket), in many cases it is possible to receive the treatment in the public health system at no cost or at a low cost. However, queues in the public system may be longer, so some patients choose to seek private medical care.
Insured persons with Shaban insurance (such as Maccabi Zahav or Maccabi Shelli) may be entitled to a significant discount on the procedure at private clinics or medical centers that work with the fund. The price at private clinics without insurance participation can range from several hundred to thousands of shekels, depending on the treating physician and the medical institution where the procedure is performed.
To obtain accurate information about the expected cost, it is recommended to contact Maccabi Health Services and check the deductible according to the type of insurance. In addition, you can check the possibility of performing the procedure under supplementary insurance, which may significantly reduce costs and expedite treatment.
Eligibility and insurance – Who can receive coverage for secondary cataract treatment at Maccabi ?
Maccabi Health Services insured persons may be eligible for Yag laser treatment for secondary cataracts as part of the health basket or supplementary insurance, according to medical criteria. Patients diagnosed with a significant decrease in visual acuity due to secondary cataracts may receive a referral for treatment within the public health system, sometimes free of charge.
Holders of Shaban insurance such as Maccabi Zahav and Maccabi Shelli benefit from reduced deductibles or reimbursements for the procedure at private clinics that work with the fund. Maccabi’s ophthalmologists can recommend the treatment and refer patients to approved medical institutions where the procedure can be performed quickly and under favorable conditions.
To check exact eligibility for treatment and find out what the coverage conditions are according to the insurance track, you can contact Maccabi’s customer service, check the fund’s official website, or consult with an ophthalmologist at the fund. Knowing the eligibility conditions can help patients receive the appropriate treatment quickly and without unnecessary expenses.
The recovery process after treatment
Recovery from Nd:YAG laser treatment for secondary cataracts is relatively quick and usually does not require a long recovery time. Most patients experience significant improvement in visual acuity within hours to days after the procedure. Because the treatment does not involve incisions or local anesthesia, there is no need for hospitalization, and the patient can return to their daily routine immediately after a brief examination by the doctor.
After treatment, there may be slight blurring of vision due to the effect of the laser rays on the lens capsule, but this phenomenon usually disappears within a few hours. Some patients report the appearance of small black dots in the field of vision, resulting from particles of the capsule that have dispersed within the vitreous – this phenomenon disappears over time as the eye gets used to the change.
Maccabi ophthalmologists may recommend the use of anti-inflammatory eye drops after the procedure, as needed. It is also recommended to avoid heavy eye strain, including prolonged reading or driving at night for 24 hours after treatment, until your vision has fully stabilized. It is important to attend a follow-up examination to ensure that the procedure was successful and that no complications remain.
Differences between primary and secondary cataracts – what is important to know ?
Primary cataract and secondary cataract are two different conditions that affect the intraocular lens, but they are caused by different causes and require different treatments. Primary cataract develops naturally with age as the lens of the eye gradually loses its transparency, causing a decrease in visual acuity and the need for surgery to replace the lens with an artificial lens.
In contrast, a secondary cataract is not a condition in which the implanted lens itself becomes cloudy, but rather a condition in which the posterior capsule, where the intraocular lens is located, becomes cloudy due to the proliferation of cells that form a layer that prevents the proper passage of light. Unlike a primary cataract, which can only be corrected through cataract surgery, a secondary cataract can be treated quickly using a Yag laser, without the need for repeat surgery.
Understanding the differences between the two conditions helps patients know what to expect after cataract surgery, and why further treatment may be needed in the future. Maccabi patients undergoing cataract surgery should be aware of the possibility of developing secondary cataracts and familiar with the solutions available to them, so that if necessary, vision can be improved easily and quickly.
Maccabi vs. other health funds – where is it most cost-effective to receive treatment ?
When it comes to secondary cataract treatment, Maccabi Health Services policyholders enjoy access to advanced medical services, including Yag laser treatment at approved medical centers. Maccabi offers a wide range of specialist ophthalmologists nationwide, allowing patients to receive fast and effective treatment.
Compared to other health funds, Maccabi offers a combination of services through public health as well as treatment options under supplementary insurance, such as Maccabi Zahav and Maccabi Shelli, which provide significant discounts on private treatments. Some patients prefer to have the procedure performed privately to shorten waiting times, and in many cases, the fund’s participation in the expenses significantly reduces the cost.
In addition, in other health insurance plans, the conditions and eligibility may vary, and there may be lower availability of appointments or restrictions on the choice of doctors. Therefore, before undergoing treatment, it is recommended to check the coverage conditions and availability of doctors in each plan, in order to ensure that you receive the best service at minimal cost and wait.
Tips for maintaining eye health
After a YAG laser treatment for secondary cataracts, it is important to take care of your eyes and prevent possible irritation or complications. Although the procedure is short and non-invasive, it is still recommended to take several steps to maintain eye health.
First, it is recommended to avoid significant eye strain for 24 hours after treatment, including prolonged reading, intensive use of screens, or driving at night, until your vision is completely stabilized. If flashes or black dots appear in your field of vision, there is no reason to worry – this is a temporary phenomenon caused by particles that have become detached from the posterior capsule of the lens, and it tends to pass within days to weeks.
Second, it is important to maintain eye hygiene and avoid vigorous rubbing or direct exposure to contaminated water, especially in pools or the sea. If your doctor recommends the use of eye drops to reduce inflammation or irritation, follow the instructions for use.
Additionally, a check-up with an ophthalmologist a few weeks after the procedure is essential to ensure that vision has improved and that there are no complications. It is also recommended to have periodic eye exams to maintain vision health and identify additional problems if necessary.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, avoiding smoking, and using sunglasses to protect against UV radiation, contributes to long-term eye health and reduces the risk of further eye problems.
