cataract surgery

[mag1707]

I had my right eye cataract surgery in April 2010.  The posterior capsule developed opacity after a few months. For the past 6 months, every time when I wake up from sleep or open my eyes after closing for a while, there is a transparent screen/curtain  which moves up and down as I blink. The reason that I can tell there is a moving transparent curtain is because it s not totally transparent. Sometimes, it looks like glass window after cleaning having some fabric fibre left on it. Only that the 'fibres'  that scatter around sometimes look like water ripples effects. My ophthamologist advised me to go for YAG laser treatment. My concern is capsule opacity the 'culprit' behind and what is the cause of this moving transparent curtain ? Is it related to the capsule opacity or some other defects that need further investigations before capsulotomy?

[Timothy D McGarity, M.D.]

You should ask your ophthalmologist these questions specifically. I'll try to help, though. The posterior capsule opacification (PCO) is normal, but doesn't happen to everyone who has had cataract surgery. It can cause these symptoms which you describe. There are other things which can cause these symptoms and may occur simultaneously with PCO: vitreous floaters, retinal problems, among other things. Ask your ophthalmologist or go seek a second opinion. Good luck!

[mag1707]

Thank you  very much for your help. Will do so.