How Did I Get PCO 2 1/2 Weeks After Cataract Surgery?

[LakeGirlForever]

I was aware of the possibility of getting PCO months or years after cataract surgery, but was shocked when I was told I had it 2 1/2 weeks after my cataract surgery. I am healthy with no conditions that would cause eye health problems. What are some of the reasons that would cause PCO so soon after cataract surgery?

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

There are different types of cataraacts. One called a posterior subcapsular cataract (PSC)  caucse plaque like opacities on the back wall (capsule) of the lens. The more common type of cataracts are nuclear where the lens turns brown and cortical where wedge shaped opacities developed with the pointed end of the wedge pointing towards the center.  In a PSC sometimes the back capsule is itself cloudy or opaque. Since this is within the capsule ict cannot be removed by polishing it off. If the cloudyness is suffieient to cause reduced vision then a Yag capsulotomy may be ncessary soon after the cataract surgery. Many surgeons prefer to wait 6-8 weeks for the eye to  heal before doing YAG capsulotomy to reduce likelyhood  of a problem called cystoic macular edema. you might want to consider etting a second opinion.

[LakeGirlForever]

Thank you for this information. My eye site after surgery was 20/20 in both eyes, but is now down to 20/40 in both eyes. Will it go back to 20/20 after the YAG? My optometrist said he can correct my vision now to 20/20 with prescription glasses before the YAG, does this mean it is not the PCO causing my vision problems?

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

If your uncorrected vision is 20/40 but prescription glasses correct them to 20/20  then PCO is NOT the problem as with PCO vision would not improve with glasses.  Usually this means you need glasses not Yag Capsulotomy.

[LakeGirlForever]

Why would my vision change from 20/20 a week after surgery to 20/40 now, a month and half after surgery?

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Yes there are often fluctuations in vision both distance and near in the first 4-5 weeks. The important point is what your vision is WITH glasses not without. PCO means vision cannot be improved to normal WITH glasses.