Is there a higher chance to have PCO with Crystalens

[taurus1203]

I 've seen a lot postings talking about PCO and YAG  and most of them are using Crystalens.
Is it because there will be a higher chance to have PCO using Crystalens ?
Or the Crystalens is more affected by the PCO and must need a YAG to fix it ?

Thanks

[CSBDR]

Thanks for your comments.  I hope you don't misunderstand my post, I am not condoning willy-nilly YAG capsulotomy.

And, unfortunately, you can't disagree with the fact that some surgeons do this.  

And not all YAGs are done with insurance dollars.

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

Nothing in medicine and surgery is risk free. Life is not risk free.

JCH MD

[taurus1203]

Dr Haggan,
Thanks a lot for your explanation.
That means the YAG is not risk free.

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

With the hole in the posterior capsule the vitreous in the back of the eye can rupture and come through the hole causing complications "vitreous loss" or the hole can extend and the old IOL can drop back into the eye or the new IOL can have no tissue to support it.

JCH MD

[taurus1203]

Dr Haggan:
Would you please explain why a YAG can increase the risk of IOL exchange ?

Thanks

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

I thank CSBDR for the comments. However I disagree that some surgeons automatically perform a yag cap on everyone. To do so would be a violation of Medicare and insurance regulations, would expose patient and their insurance to additional fees, increase the risk of retinal detachment, increase the risk of IOL exchange and can alter the power and ability to focus of the IOL.

JCH MD

[CSBDR]

Yes, classically silicone IOLs have a higher PCO rate than acrylic.  And yes, YAG can clear central PCO, but doesn't treat the peripheral capsular fibrosis that is felt to also hinder movement of the crystalens.

Most patients do wonderful with Crystalens.  As the host Drs. suggest, be sure you are with a surgeon who enjoys and understands Crystalens if you choose to go that route

[taurus1203]

Thanks for your info.
Do you mean silicone have more chance to introduce PCO as compared acrylic ?
Can YAG always remove the PCO ?

Thanks in advance