Posterior Capsule Opacification

Posterior capsule opacification is a complication that can occur following cataract  surgery.  Posterior capsule opacification is treated with a corrective eye surgery.

Occuring in around 25% of cataract patients post-surgery, posterior capsule opacification is a clouding of the membrane or capsule that holds the intraocular lens in place.

How does Posterior Capsule Opacification happen? 

The lens capsule is the bag in the eye that keeps the replacement eye lens in position. During cataract operations the front section of this bag or capsule is removed. The replacement mono/multi-focal IOL is inserted into the remaining capsule.

After cataract surgery, if the lens capsule membrane thickens or clouds, posterior capsule opacification, ' secondary cataract' can occur. Posterior capsule opacification causes symptoms of cloudy eyes similar to one of the symptoms of a cataract. 

How is Posterior Capsule Opacification treated?

Secondary cataracts can seriously impair vision and leave patients with symptoms similar to a cataract. Eye surgeons correct the vision impairment with a corrective eye surgery called a 'capsulotomy'.

Laser eye surgery is used to perform a capsulotomy. The laser is used to create a small hole in the capsule or membrane allowing light to pass directly through the lens. This hole prevents light scattering inside the eye and prevents the cloudiness behind the lens.

Related guides

• Posterior Capsule Opacification

Other guides

• NHS or private cataract surgery?
• Intraocular lenses (IOL)
• Cost of Cataract Surgery
• Cataract Removal
• Monofocal Lens and Multifocal Lens
• Cataract symptoms
• Cataract Development
• Cataract Diagnosis
• Recovery After Cataract Surgery
• Cataract Surgery Results
• Cataract Surgery Procedure
• Types of Cataract
• Cataracts
• How to Protect Eyesight
• Cataracts and Diabetes
• Replacement Lens Surgery - Sulcoflex
• Preparation for cataract surgery

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