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Home / Treatments / Posterior capsule opacification

Laser treatment for posterior capsule opacification

A quick and painless YAG laser treatment that gives you your vision back after cataract surgery.

DurationUnder 10 minPainNoneFollow-upRarely needed

What is posterior capsule opacification?

Posterior capsule opacification (sometimes called “secondary cataract”) is a harmless condition that can develop from about a month to several years after cataract surgery. It is caused by scar tissue forming in the capsule behind the artificial lens, and it occurs in about 20% of patients.

The symptoms resemble those you had before the cataract operation: blurred vision and perhaps sensitivity to light. New glasses do not help.

Posterior capsule opacification seen through a dilated pupil. The whitish, stringy membrane is scar tissue in the capsule behind the artificial lens. This is what the laser opens, so light can pass freely again.

The treatment

  1. Dilating dropsDrops are put in your eye before the treatment begins.
  2. YAG laserThe laser makes a small opening in the scar tissue. You only see small flashes of light.
  3. Better visionOften the same day. You will be sensitive to light for a few hours because of the drops.

Once the scar tissue has been opened, your vision is expected to be as good as it was after the cataract operation. In the following weeks it is common to see small floating specks, which gradually disappear. Aftercare and follow-up are rarely needed.

Complications

Complications are extremely rare, but there is a small risk of swelling of the retina and retinal detachment.

Contact the eye doctor if you notice signs of retinal detachment

  • Flashes of light with your eyes both open and closed
  • Many new, dark floating specks
  • A shadow that does not move, possibly like a curtain

Signs of swelling of the retina: difficulty reading, or things in the centre of your vision look distorted.