Posterior Capsular Opacification (PCO), sometimes called a “secondary cataract,” is a common problem that can develop after cataract surgery. It may cause vision to become blurry or cloudy again, sometimes months or even years after surgery.<\/p>\n
PCO is not a return of the cataract. Instead, the thin capsule behind the artificial lens becomes cloudy, affecting clear vision. PCO can usually be effectively treated with a simple laser procedure.<\/p>\n
This article explains the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options for PCO in simple terms.<\/p>\n\n
During cataract surgery, the cloudy natural lens of the eye is removed and replaced with an artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL). The thin capsule that originally surrounded the natural lens is left in place because it helps support the new lens.<\/p>\n
Over time, this capsule may become cloudy and cause posterior capsular opacification (PCO), sometimes called a secondary cataract. It can cause blurry or hazy vision similar to a cataract, but it is not the cataract coming back.<\/p>\n
It is important to understand that PCO is not the return of your original cataract. A cataract forms on the eye’s natural lens, which has already been removed during cataract surgery. PCO affects the capsule behind the artificial lens instead.PCO can usually be treated with a simple outpatient laser procedure.<\/p>\n\n
PCO mainly develops as part of the eye’s natural healing process after cataract surgery. Some lens epithelial cells may remain on the capsule after the natural lens is removed. These cells can multiply and move across the capsule, eventually creating a cloudy layer.<\/p>\n
Several factors can influence the development of PCO, including:<\/p>\n
PCO may appear months or even years after cataract surgery, so it is not unusual for someone to notice these changes long after their original procedure.<\/p>\n\n
PCO can feel a lot like the cataract symptoms you had before surgery. Your vision may gradually become less clear, making you wonder why your eyesight has changed again or whether the cataract has returned.<\/p>\n
Common symptoms include:<\/p>\n