Posterior Capsular Opacity (PCO) and YAG Laser Capsulotomy

What is Posterior Capsular Opacity (PCO)?

 

Cataract surgery removes a cataract (the cloudy natural lens causing blurred vision) from its cellophane-like lining called the lens capsule. An artificial lens (called anintraocular lens, or IOL) is then inserted into the capsule to replace the natural lens. Sometimes after cataract surgery that same capsule may eventually become cloudy or wrinkled – which again causes blurred vision. This is called Posterior Capsular Opacity (PCO). This doesn't mean the cataract is recurring (even though the symptoms may seem similar).

PCO occurs after cataract surgery for about one in three patients.

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Its development depends on many factors, including:

•Type of IOL used during surgery 

•Complexity of the cataract surgery

•Type of cataract removed

•Time since surgery.

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This condition can’t be prevented or corrected with glasses.

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What is YAG Laser Capsulotomy?

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To ensure PCO does not recur we treat it with YAG Laser Capsulotomy. The term capsulotomy refers to making a small opening in the lens capsule to restore normal sight. The procedure does not involve the removal of the entire capsule. Instead, a very small opening is made with the YAG laser. This opening creates a clear passage for light to reach the retina.

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What happens on the day of your treatment?

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• First, you will meet with one of the clinical team who will test your vision and administer eye drops to enlarge and dilate the pupil and numb the eye.

• Your eye specialist then performs the laser procedure, which only takes a few minutes.

• In this short and straightforward procedure your eye specialist uses a special optical laser to clear the membrane and remove the clouding. The YAG laser is completely painless.

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What can you expect after YAG Laser Capsulotomy?

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• After the procedure your vision will be blurry and your eyes will be sensitive to light. This is due to the dilating eye drops.

• It is not recommended that you drive home. You will need to arrange suitable transport.

• You can expect your vision to improve within 24 hours. In some cases, vision can take a few days to restore fully.

• It is normal to see dancing spots or ‘floaters’ in your vision. These will slowly improve.

• After your treatment you can carry on your day-to-day activities as normal.

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Are there any risks?

 

YAG Laser Capsulotomy is considered to be a safe and trouble-free treatment.

Problems rarely occur, but if they do, they may include:

 

• Swelling of the central retina

• Retinal tear or detachment

• Raised eye pressure

• Red and painful eye

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If you experience any of the following symptoms following the procedure, please contact Vision Care Partners

 

• Your vision does not improve or deteriorates 

• You have significant pain                                            

• You develop sudden new floaters and flashes, or an enlarging shadow in your peripheral vision 

 • You have anxiety or concerns over your treatment or outcomes