Posterior Capsule Opacification
Posterior Capsule Opacification
What is it?
Posterior capsule opacification (PCO) is a condition that affects people that have undergone cataract surgery. It refers to a clouding of the capsule that supports the intraocular lens, and this clouding may result in visual deterioration.
During cataract surgery the lens is separated and removed from the capsule, which is a thin, transparent membranous bag that suspends the lens in the eye. The capsule is not removed during cataract surgery and it continues to perform the same role after cataract surgery, but it now supports the new intraocular lens implant.
During the healing process the capsule occasionally becomes scarred, and this scarring can result in loss of transparency.
What causes it?
The cataract has a layer of cells (known as lens epithelial cells) which are located between the cataract and the capsule. When the cataract is removed some of these cells remain attached to the inside of the capsule. During the recovery process these cells may migrate and differentiate to cover the central part of the capsule in an opaque, fibrous membrane which affects the vision.Do I have it?
PCO is quite common following cataract surgery, with about 1 in 3 people developing visually significant opacification that requires treatment.
Symptoms include an increase in blurring and glare and may mimic some of the symptoms that were present before the cataract surgery.
The onset of PCO is variable, with some cases starting as soon as the first month after surgery and others taking many years before the onset of symptoms.