LaserVision

What is Posterior Capsular Opacification (PCO)?

Posterior Capsule Opacification (PCO) is a relatively common occurrence after cataract or Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) surgery. It occurs when the back of the implanted lens thickens and clouds. Thickening of the capsule means that light is less able to travel through to the retina (the light sensitive layer at the back of your eye), reducing the quality of sight. Clinical research suggests that PCO occurs in 10 – 20 % of patients and is most common within the first 2 years of surgery.

Posterior Capsular Opacification (PCO) Symptoms

What are the Symptoms?

  • Cloudy / blurred vision
  • Glare (particularly at night)
  • Reduction in contrast and colour perception
  • Halos around bright lights

What are the Causes?

During cataract surgery, your doctor makes a circular opening in the front facing capsule of the lens in order to remove the nucleus. The new intraocular lens is injected through this opening and is held in a secure position by the remaining capsule. In time, this capsule will shrink and wrap itself closely to the lens. Living cells in the capsule can form a new sheet of cells that frost the back surface of the lens. This is called posterior capsular opacification (PCO).

Causes
Causes

What are the Causes?

During cataract surgery, your doctor makes a circular opening in the front facing capsule of the lens in order to remove the nucleus. The new intraocular lens is injected through this opening and is held in a secure position by the remaining capsule. In time, this capsule will shrink and wrap itself closely to the lens. Living cells in the capsule can form a new sheet of cells that frost the back surface of the lens. This is called posterior capsular opacification (PCO).

Posterior Capsular Opacification (PCO) Diagnosis

What is the Diagnosis?

Laser Vision performs Nd-Yag laser capsulotomy; an established method of treatment for Posterior Capsule Opacification (PCO). Your doctor will use low-energy pulses of laser to vaporise the layer of cells that are causing the lens to be clouded. Patients often report that their vision is immediately brighter and it will continue to improve as the dilating eye drops instilled wear off.

Need to know Need to know

Need to know more about this condition?

If you’d like some more information or to discuss this condition with one of our experts, simply drop us a line or give us a call and we’d be delighted to speak with you.
Book a Consultation

Treatment Options

Choosing the right vision correction clinic for your surgery is paramount. This is a life changing procedure after all, and you need to have complete trust in your surgeon and care team of professionals.

Previous Slide Next Slide

Our Technology

We invest in the latest equipment hand chosen by our surgeons, so that we can deliver outstanding results with the safest surgery possible.

View Technology
Events

Patient Experience

Laser Vision

New Treatment!

We are delighted to announce that Laser Vision has introduced VALEDA for Dry AMD.

As one of the only clinics in the UK to have this device, we are privileged to once again be leading the way as VALEDA LDS (Light Delivery System) offers hope to those battling Dry AMD, providing innovative therapy for vision preservation. Developed by leading experts, this cutting-edge device promises enhanced outcomes and improved quality of life.

Discover the future of AMD treatment with VALEDA, now available at Laser Vision.

FIND OUT MORE