Posterior Capsular Opacification (PCO)
(Sometimes known as ‘Secondary cataract’)
Posterior capsular opacification (PCO), has similar visual symptoms of a cataract. Once a cataract is removed, it does not return.
A PCO or ‘secondary cataract’ forms as result of a thin crust that surrounds the artificial lens becoming cloudy over time, following cataract surgery.
The average time for posterior capsular opacification to occur after cataract surgery is on average 2-3 years. However, it can sometimes develop sooner, within several weeks, or many years later.
This crust forms as a response our body mounts against a man-made material, akin to the body forming a scar around a new hip joint. However, because this affects our lenses and line of sight, our vision declines.
A PCO forms in everyone who has had a cataract surgery, regardless of the lens brand/type of lens that has gone in to the eye.
Fortunately, PCO is easily treated with laser (YAG) as an outpatient procedure, is painless and takes less than 5 minutes.
Once the laser is done, the lens will not be able to be removed from the eye easily and the patient may experience increased floaters.
Symptoms of PCO
- Gradual decrease in vision
- Blurred vision
- Glare or haloes around lights
Diagnosis of a Posterior Capsular Opacification
The following tests will be conducted to confirm diagnosis:
- Visual Acuity assessment
- Dilated eye examination
- Slit-lamp examination
YAG Laser Treatment: The procedure and what happens
If your dilated eye examination confirms the presence of posterior capsular opacification, YAG laser will be recommended.
The procedure is performed in the consulting rooms using a YAG ( Yttrium Aluminum Garnet) laser.
Anaesthetic and pressure lowering eye drops will be instilled prior.
The ophthalmologist uses the YAG laser to make a precise opening in the posterior lens capsule to restore clear vision. The laser cuts through the cloudy tissue of the capsule using controlled pulses of energy.
Most patients will notice an improvement in vision the next day once the pupil has returned to its normal size.
The thicker the PCO, the more improvement the patient will notice.
Possible complications and risks
YAG laser capsulotomy is generally considered a safe procedure. However, risk of complications are rare. These include increased eye pressure, inflammation, blurred vision, macular oedema or retinal detachments
