Posterior capsular opacification is the formation of thin layer of scar tissue that develops behind the lens implant in a small proportion of patients after cataract surgery. 

 

What is posterior capsular opacification (PCO)?
When you have cataract surgery, an artificial lens implant is placed inside the lens capsule. Posterior capsular opacification is the formation of thin layer of scar tissue that develops behind the lens implant in a small proportion of patients after cataract surgery. PCO can occur between 1-10 years after your cataract operation and is the most common cause of reduction in vision after successful cataract surgery.

How can PCO be treated?
PCO can be very successfully treated by a procedure called YAG laser capsulotomy. The procedure is performed very commonly and is painless. You will require drops to dilate your pupils and anaesthetic eye drops before the procedure.
YAG laser is performed to clear the cloudy film by making a small opening in the capsular bag. On average, the process takes 10 minutes. It is a safe and successful treatment and nearly never needs to be repeated. After the procedure, you will typically be given steroid drops to put them in the eye for a few days.

What are the risks of the procedure?
YAG laser capsulotomy is a very safe procedure. Immediately after the procedure you may see floaters which would gradually improve. This is a common symptom and is nothing to worry about. Commonly, there can be raised pressure in the eye, immediately after the procedure or inflammation inside the eye. Dr Morjaria will give you drops after the procedure to reduce the risk of this happening.

Less common risks are of seeing flashes or persistent floaters. Serious complication such as retinal damage or movement of your intraocular lens are rare.

 

How quickly will I recover?
People may notice a difference immediately or as soon as the dilating drops wear away. You can carry on with most routine activities immediately after your laser.​​​​​​