Cataract surgery has few serious complications and almost every patient experiences greatly improved vision. The most common complication is Posterior Capsule Opacification (PCO), which can be treated using a straightforward laser treatment.
During cataract surgery, the eye’s natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens.
PCO is when the membrane that holds the new artificial lens in place becomes cloudy or opaque, causing blurry vision. This can happen months or even years after the initial cataract surgery.
Posterior capsular opacification (PCO) is a common complication that can occur after cataract surgery. The symptoms of PCO may include:
If you have undergone cataract surgery and experience any of these symptoms, it is important to consult your eye care provider for a comprehensive eye examination. PCO can be effectively treated with a simple outpatient procedure called YAG laser capsulotomy, which involves creating an opening in the cloudy posterior capsule to restore clear vision.
Following cataract surgery, a cluster of cells may begin to grow on the back of the capsule that holds the eye’s lens. This can cause very similar cloudy vision to that caused by cataracts. While cataract surgery is permanent and cataracts cannot return, PCO does require laser treatment to resolve.
A procedure called a YAG Laser Capsulotomy is used to clear the cells in the eye and instantly restore vision. It only takes a few minutes and is completely painless. Eye drops are used to numb the eye and reduce inflammation but once they wear off, patients experience immediate improvement in their eyesight.
