fbpx
Posterior Capsule Opacity2022-03-07T10:05:36+00:00

A posterior capsule opacity is a hazy membrane that can form after cataract surgery

We can treat this condition with a YAG laser capsulotomy procedure

A posterior capsule opacity is a hazy membrane that can form after cataract surgery

We can treat this condition with a YAG laser capsulotomy procedure

Restore your clarity of vision

Discover more about this condition and how to treat it

Sometimes called a ‘secondary cataract’, a posterior capsule opacity can occasionally occur after a cataract operation.

In a cataract operation, we replace the cloudy lens with a clear, artificial lens. However, in some cases, a hazy membrane can form just behind the intraocular lens implant. This is known as posterior capsule opacity, and we can treat it easily.

Although the condition is sometimes referred to as a ‘secondary cataract’, it’s important to note that a genuine cataract cannot reoccur after cataract surgery.

Hazy posterior capsule Hazy capsule removed

A posterior capsule opacity will only occur after cataract surgery. If you have recently had a cataract operation, and have blurred, hazy vision or see a lot of glare from lights, it may be because of a posterior capsule opacity.

Blurring and loss of vision from posterior capsule opacity are usually gradual, just as with real cataracts. While the symptoms are very similar to cataracts, there is no chance of an actual cataract re-forming after cataract surgery.

During a cataract operation, the surgeon will carefully remove the cataract from the affected eye and replace it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL).

The lens is located within a very thin membrane ‘bag’ called the capsule. To remove the lens and replace it, the surgeon must open the front of the capsule. The back or ‘posterior’ of the capsule remains intact to support the new lens.

In a small proportion of patients – around 10% – the old lens’s outer cells remain and grow on the capsule. This causes the capsule to become hazy or clouded, which results in blurred vision.

We can detect a posterior capsule opacity at a routine eye examination or with a dilated fundus examination.

The treatment for posterior capsule opacity is very simple. We use a procedure called a YAG laser capsulotomy to remove the haziness and restore normal vision. It is a fast, painless and very effective treatment.

Will this procedure hurt?

It is very much a painless and safe procedure. In most cases, the eye doctor can perform the treatment at the time of consultation.

What is a YAG laser capsulotomy?

YAG laser capsulotomy involves a special laser that makes a small hole to break off the opacity in the capsule bag after your cataract surgery to restore normal vision.

Is it common?

It is relatively common and can occur in 10-20% of cataract surgery patients.

How long does it take to recover from Yag laser capsulotomy?

The Yag procedure is quick and pain-free and, therefore, does not require any recovery time. Some patients do, however, notice some floaters for a few weeks after the procedure.

Does poor vision or the limitations of glasses or contact lenses hold you back?

Choose the option below that sounds most like you to discover your best solution

Do your glasses and contacts get in your way or make you feel uncomfortable?

Do you feel a bit meh when wearing glasses or when your eyes feel dry from your contact lenses? Perhaps poor vision and the inconvenience of glasses and contacts stops you from participating in certain activities you enjoy or even simply enjoying the beautiful natural landscapes around you. Laser eye surgery could be the answer.

LEARN MORE

Are you struggling with the hassle of reading glasses?

Whether you’re new to reading glasses or have worn them your whole life, it doesn’t take long to notice how annoying they can sometimes be. Before you know it, there’s a pair of readers everywhere you look; around your neck, in your pockets, and in every room of the house. But when you need them, they’re nowhere to be found. Restore your vision (and avoid future cataract surgery too).

LEARN MORE

Is your vision becoming cloudy, blurry and dull or have you been diagnosed with cataracts?

When your glasses are no longer effective, your quality of life is impacted. At first, you might be able to muddle by. But as your vision deteriorates, your ability to function as you normally would is needlessly compromised. With modern cataract surgery, you have the choice to quickly and easily improve your vision (and even reduce your dependence on glasses).

LEARN MORE

We are proud to be associated with top quality private medical insurers

Give us a call to understand how your insurance can help cover your treatment

Gain visual freedom in 3 easy steps

Eye treatment options can be confusing. We’ve made the journey as straightforward as can be

Get in touch

The first step is to call us so we can answer any questions we can on the phone. Give our friendly team a call on 0800 99 2020 or request a call back from us.

We’ll meet

At your consultation, we’ll diagnose your issues, answer your questions and give you a clear recommendation based on your needs. You’ll confidently leave with a clear understanding of your treatment options.

Enjoy clarity

After treatment, people often tell us how pleased they were that they took action when they did. They’re often so glad that they reached out so that we could address their concerns and help them resolve their troublesome eye condition.

Watch the best patient education videos on eye treatment in New Zealand

Get a quick overview of everything you need to know about gaining visual freedom

Additional resources on posterior capsule opacity

Learn more about posterior capsule opacity from authoritative sources.

Posterior capsule opacification (PCO) is the most common complication of cataract surgery. PCO can cause significant visual symptoms and is effectively treated with laser capsulotomy. Evolving understanding of the underlying pathophysiology has led to modifications in surgical techniques and intraocular lens designs with the potential to decrease the incidence of PCO. Click here to read more.

Posterior capsule opacification (PCO) occurs as a result of natural post-surgical wound healing in the eye, and can lead to patients losing some of their vision months or years after undergoing cataract surgery.

The new in vitro capsular bag model, developed by University of East Anglia scientists and West Norwich Hospital ophthalmologists, benefits from spatial organization and cell types found in real-life patients.

Researchers are working on improving the human model, replicating regenerative features of PCO and examining a range of IOLs to determine the best outcomes for patients. Click here to read more.

In their influential 2001 study, “Eradication of Posterior Capsule Opacification: Documentation of a Marked Decrease in Nd:YAG Laser Posterior Capsulotomy Rates Noted in an Analysis of 5416 Pseudophakic Human Eyes Obtained Postmortem,” Apple et al provided valuable insight into factors with bearing on the development of posterior capsule opacification (PCO) occurring after cataract surgery in a comparative autopsy tissue analysis of 5416 pseudophakic postmortem eyes collected between January 1988 and January 2000.

Eyes studied had received 8 different intraocular lenses (IOLs) that were available in the United States, including rigid and foldable IOLs. The authors developed a computerized model that allowed them to predict trends or timelines of neodymium:yttrium–aluminum–garnet (Nd:YAG) laser rates for each IOL design, and they identified 6 factors related to surgical technique and IOL choice that seemed to influence PCO. Addressing these factors ultimately may well eradicate PCO, the second most common cause of reversible visual loss worldwide after cataract. Click here to read more.

Note: These links will take you off our website

Go to Top