capsule opacity

Dear Doctor
I am 54 years old lady. I did my right eye cataract surgery in April last year and use contact lens on the left eye for focusing.The right eye developed capsule opacity and cause blurry and double image type of vision. I suffered glaring vision at the beginning and now and then I felt discomfort in the right eye especially if I strain my right eyes in reading. So, I have fear of doing the left eye cataract surgery.  I would be grateful if you could clarify the following questions.
(1) At what stage should I go for YAG laser treatment for my right eye capsule opacity? If I do not go for the YAG treatment, what will happen ?
(2) What is the chance that the YAG treatment leads to retina detachment ? How does this happen ? If so, when will it happen? Are there any other risks?
(3) If I have cataract surgery in my left eye, will it develop capsule opacity too? Does IOL brand make a difference ? Should I change to another brand ?
I am very troubled and all these affect me physically and emotionally. Please help me. I really appreciate your help.

[Houman Vosoghi, MD]

1) whenever you feel your vision is compromised to a point that it bothers your daily activities.  For most pple that is when vision is 20/40ish but it varies.  Nothing bad will happen if you don't do the laser but your vision may stay blurry and get a bit worse over time.
2) Very low risk of detachment after YAG but still present.  The rest of the questions should be discussed with your surgeon.
3) Chances are about 20% at most I would think.  Most modern lenses have a decreased rate.  Ask you surgeon which brand he used and if that is one of the newer models that reduces the formation of PCO.  It probably is.

You can also google some of the above questions and see previous posts on this website as well for additional information about lenses and posterior capsular opacity after cataract surgery.

HV