Can cataracts recur years after having cataract surgery?

During cataract surgery, the surgeon removes the cloudy lens from the eye and replaces it with an artificial lens which cannot itself develop a cataract. While it is impossible to develop a cataract in the eye that had this surgery, there are other reasons that vision problems may develop after cataract surgery. For example, a new problem, such as macular degeneration, may develop. Or, the membrane holding the new lens in place may become wrinkled or cloudy, causing symptoms similar to those caused by a cataract. Usually, this can be effectively treated with a laser procedure.