Posterior Capsular Opacification (PCO)

What is Posterior Capsular Opacification (PCO)?

After cataract surgery the intraocular lens is placed inside a natural bag in the eye. Sometimes the remaining cataract cells adhere to this bag and can grow. When they grow this can cause a sheet of tissue that can reduce your vision and cause glare and halos. The symptoms are much like a cataract and this is why sometimes it is referred to as a secondary cataract.

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PCO Form

The typical symptoms are a reduction in vision along with glare and halos, there is no discomfort or any pain associated with PCO.

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After cataract surgery the intraocular lens is placed inside a natural bag in the eye. Sometimes the remaining cataract cells adhere to this bag and can grow. When they grow this can cause a sheet of tissue that can reduce your vision and cause glare and halos. The symptoms are much like a cataract and this is why sometimes it is referred to as a secondary cataract.

Book appointment →

The diagnosis can easily be made using a slit lamp at our office, often we will collect additional testing to ensure that your retinal health is also in order when our Ophthalmologists see you in the office.

Book appointment →

The typical symptoms are a reduction in vision along with glare and halos, there is no discomfort or any pain associated with PCO.

Book appointment →

After cataract surgery the intraocular lens is placed inside a natural bag in the eye. Sometimes the remaining cataract cells adhere to this bag and can grow. When they grow this can cause a sheet of tissue that can reduce your vision and cause glare and halos. The symptoms are much like a cataract and this is why sometimes it is referred to as a secondary cataract.

Book appointment →

The diagnosis can easily be made using a slit lamp at our office, often we will collect additional testing to ensure that your retinal health is also in order when our Ophthalmologists see you in the office.

Book appointment →

PCO Treatment

The best approach for dealing with PCO is a YAG laser. This is a painless procedure that can be done under topical anesthetic in the clinic the day of your visit. You will not feel any discomfort although you may hear the laser. After the laser is complete your vision may be blurry for an hour and it is possible to have a floater after the treatment. Both of these symptoms will pass with time. After the laser procedure you will be asked to take an anti-inflammatory drop for one week just as a precaution to reduce any possible inflammation from the laser disruption of the cataract cells.

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