Tag Archives: haze

Posterior Capsular Opacity (secondary cataract)

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Cataract
Cataract is a foggy lens inside the eye (click image to enlarge)

 

PCO
Opacity of the posterior capsule after cataract surgery (Click to enlarge)

What is posterior capsular opacity (PCO)?

Posterior capsular opacity is a common condition in which the posterior capsule becomes hazy after cataract surgery. The posterior capsule is the clear layer of tissue that supports the intraocular lens, which is implanted into the eye at the time of cataract surgery. Over time after cataract surgery, the posterior capsule may lose its clarity.

What causes posterior capsular opacity?

The posterior capsule becomes opaque because of an abnormal growth of hazy tissue, like scar tissue, grows over the clear posterior capsule. These cells are remnants of cells from the cataract. Research is underway to determine what might be done to prevent PCO from developing.

What are the symptoms of posterior capsular opacity?

The symptoms of PCO are very similar to symptoms from cataract: blurred, cloudy, hazy vision with or without glare from oncoming lights, especially at night. These symptoms usually develop slowly, although sometimes the problem is discovered suddenly if the other eye is a clear seeing eye. In these cases, the clear eye is covered and the cloudy vision is discovered in the eye with PCO.

How is posterior capsular opacity treated?

If the vision is good and the symptoms are mild, no treatment is needed and the PCO will not harm the eye. If improvement in vision is needed, YAG laser can be performed in a brief, pain-free treatment to open the posterior capsule to allow for improvement in vision. If the vision does not improve after YAG laser, a change in glasses may be needed or further examination of the eye may disclose other problems limiting visual return.

By Scott E. Pautler, MD

For a telemedicine consultation with Dr Pautler, please send email request to spautler@rvaf.com. We accept Medicare and most insurances in Florida. Please include contact information (including phone number) in the email. We are unable to provide consultation for those living outside the state of Florida with the exception of limited one-time consultations with residents of the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Minnesota, and Washington.

Copyright © 2014-2022 Designs Unlimited of Florida. All Rights Reserved.

Cataract

Posted on by
Cataract
Cataract is a foggy lens inside the eye (click image to enlarge)

What is a cataract?

A cataract is a foggy lens inside the eye. The lens is positioned behind the iris to focus light that passes through the pupil (see drawing above). The lens inside the eye works like a lens in a camera. The normal lens is clear, but it may lose its clarity over time. When the lens loses its clarity, it causes hazy and cloudy vision, often with glare from on-coming lights. The distance vision is often affected more than the near vision.

What causes cataract?

Cataract is common with age. The older a person becomes, the more likely cataracts will form. Other causes include heredity (family history of cataract), inflammation, blunt injury to the eye, sun exposure, tobacco, high blood pressure, diabetes, and medications (such as corticosteroids (prednisone) and some anti-depressants known as SSRI inhibitors).

How is cataract treated?

The only treatment of cataract is surgery in the operating room, with or without the assistance of laser. There is no way to remove a cataract with vitamins, pills, or eye drops. However, a change in glasses may minimize the blurred vision caused by cataract in the early stages. There is no emergency to treat a cataract. It will not harm the eye to hold-off from having surgery except in extremely severe cases. At the time of cataract surgery, a lens implant will be placed inside the eye to improve the ability of the eye to focus.

When is surgery needed?

Surgery is needed when the haziness in the vision from cataract has become bad enough to require improvement in vision that cannot be achieved with glasses. This is a decision made by the patient with help from the doctor.

By Scott E. Pautler, MD

For a telemedicine consultation with Dr Pautler, please send email request to spautler@rvaf.com. We accept Medicare and most insurances in Florida. Please include contact information (including phone number) in the email. We are unable to provide consultation for those living outside the state of Florida with the exception of limited one-time consultations with residents of the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Minnesota, and Washington.

Copyright  © 2014-2022 Designs Unlimited of Florida.  All Rights Reserved.