The Most Common Complication From Cataract Surgery! | Posterior Capsular Opacity & How To Treat It

In this video, let’s talk about the most common complication from cataract surgery: Posterior Capsular Opacity, otherwise known as a PCO or a “secondary cataract.” We discuss why you get it after cataract surgery, symptoms to look out for, and how to treat it with a safe and effective laser procedure called a YAG Capsulotomy.
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TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Intro
00:16 What is a PCO?
00:54 Symptoms
01:25 Treatment
02:10 What To Expect After
02:34 Risks and Precautions
03:04 Wrap-Up
#cataract #cataracts #cataractsurgeon
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Hi! My name is Michele Lee, and I am a board-certified ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained cornea, cataract, and refractive surgeon. Please hit the subscribe button if you like my videos, and thanks for following me on my KZbin journey!
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Website: www.micheleleemd.com
My Practice:
Tozer Lee Eye Center
9811 N 95th St., Suite 101, Scottsdale, AZ 85258
Phone: [phone]
www.tozerleeeye.com
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Disclaimer: This KZbin channel is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment, or medical advice. Content provided on this KZbin channel is for informational purposes only. Please consult with a physician or other healthcare professional regarding any medical diagnosis or treatment options as information on this KZbin channel should not be considered as a substitute for advice from a healthcare professional. The statements made about specific products are not to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.

[@MicheleLeeMD]

Thanks for watching! I'm filming a cataract Q&A in a couple weeks so feel free to leave some questions down below 👇 See you in my next video ❤

[@nmandowa]

Hi, I was recently diagnosed with a PCO, but I never had cataract surgery. I'm 75 and also have regular cataracts, worse in one eye. But I have good near vision, not what I read is typical of the PCO. And my worst complaints are double and multiple images in distant objects. So I'm wondering if the yag laser without a lens implant is a temporary option for me, since I was told both procedures could be $9000 out of pocket in US, plus I have real problems with the meds used to calm before surgery. Thanks!

[@MJ-gw8mn]

Dr Lee, thank you for answering questions. I am one week out from a PanOptyx non-toric IOL. I've always had astigmatism, so I was surprised when I was given my prescription of 24 D, with no toric correction. My post op check confirms I have residual astig.My doc says he can correct later with laser. I had Lasik 20 yrs ago. Is it safe to have another Lasik procedure, or should I insist my IOL be replaced with a toric lens? I am confused and afraid.

[@tmone13]

Any info on home remedies for cloudy cornea???

[@dcd19622]

Went for eye exam after cataract surgery and was told I had this. But I could still see almost perfectly. Had capsolotomy and now vision in that eye is cloudy and night vision is horrible. Stars around bright lites. Is there a cure for this now. Should never have had the capsolotomy

[@bethkoch11]

I had successful cataract surgery in 2020. By 2022, I had noticed a bit of cloudiness that seemed to come and go, along with "halos" especially at night. None of this was severe and didn't bother me very much, but I reported it to my eye surgeon. He confirmed that I had PCO, and I went through the YAG laser procedure which was a piece of cake. 5 minutes per eye, and done. I'm totally happy with the result.

[@MicheleLeeMD]

Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@robnation2475]

Good to know, thanks!

[@conniemiller5125]

I'm putting off cataract surgery till next year I hope. I'm filled with too much stress and anxiety over the thought of having it done and fear that I might lose my sight all together with. My left eye is blurry, while my right eye is still seeing clearly. I have a horseshoe tear without detachment.

[@KrisD007]

@@conniemiller5125make sure you ask if you can have something for anxiety while waiting. Figured the sedation would calm me down but it was just for pain. I won’t have my 2nd eye done unless find a dr who will give me something to calm me down. The new lens made my floaters huge and I didn’t realize I had so many. A retina dr took videos of it and it’s like snow.

[@pdrews1000]

Thank you for taking the time to make this video.

[@ohcrapwhatsnext]

The best part of the internet is being able to learn new things...Thank you for sharing your knowledge with the world.

[@MicheleLeeMD]

So true 😅 Thanks for watching!

[@johnnysanchez4456]

Very informative

[@gretchenchristophel1169]

Thank you for explaining this complication. I have this and have been trying to figure out what happened with my replacement lens. I had both eyes done, and so far only one has developed this...they were done a year apart. Relieved to know I can have something done to fix the scar tissue. I don't live in the same city where the original surgery was performed, so I'll be looking for a new professional. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge.🤗

[@MicheleLeeMD]

Glad to hear this was helpful and best of luck ❤️

[@petermalbin1629]

Very clear explanation and informative. Thank you. I am getting this YAG procedure.

[@MicheleLeeMD]

Best of luck - I hope your laser procedure goes well!

[@serosderramasnudalo3905]

Im from philippines😊 thanks to this video. Is more health to me

[@mattieice2988]

Dr Michele? Your Awesome thank you so much for Making this Video. Have a Blessed day Love IceMan:)

[@MicheleLeeMD]

You are so welcome!

[@faomr5474]

I just had cataract surgery aweek ago , my vision is cloudy in most of times but i have few days of clear vision I think i should wait and see hod it goes before seeing another specialist

[@zynthos9]

Would you please be able to do a vision on Contoura vs. wavefront optimized vs. wavefront guided for Lasik?

[@jrussell1074]

My surgeon scheduled me for the YAG a couple of weeks after the operation He said almost everyone needs it and the appointment gives him the opportunity for a final look-see whether the YAG is needed or not and it usually is. Either way is included in the price that is fully disclosed up front. Then another appointment is set to determine the settled in focus. If the focus is a little off he does Lasik for a final adjustment that is also included with the price. He says that if a surgeon isn’t equipped with Lasik he has no business doing cataract surgery. The slightest movement of the lens during placement causes a change in focous that is easly corrected wit Lasik

[@OldMovieRob]

this was helpful. I'm curious, what is the ballpark price for this kind of procedure?

[@sudhanramesh4584]

Hello Dr.Lee, is there any alternate to YAG capsulotomy, like capsular polishing, as I get to see that IOL exchange becomes difficult post YAG ? I've had my cataract surgery 2 months prior and I have double vision in both the eyes and blurring vision in my left eye. Is YAG the only option ?

[@anitahendrix7573]

Dr Lee I have been binge watching all your and other videos to try to decide what kind of lens I need for any upcoming cataract surgery I need. I am a 79 you female and have worn glasses since I was 7yo. My glasses are progressive lenses I am extremely nearsited and need glasses for mid and distance I can read without but have an astigmatism. In the last 3years was told I have pseudo exfoliation but so far my pressure is 14 in both eyes I see some halos at night due to cataracts other than that I see pretty well. My optometrist has referred me to a eye surgeon for a consultation. If I have surgery before the cataracts really bother me will it keep me from getting glaucoma or can I wait till my eyes really need the surgery or will that be to late?? Also I am interested in the vivity lens with a slight near correction in my non dominant eye and wear reading glasses worth a toric correction for astigmatism ?

[@Snoopy-qe7kt]

I’m scheduled to have the laser procedure for PCO at the end of April. My original cataract surgery was about 1 1/2 years ago. I started noticing problems with glare and intermittent hazy vision about 1 year after surgery. Lately it’s become a more serious problem driving at night so I’ve decided to go ahead with the laser procedure. I’m very nervous.

[@DeeKru]

Its been about 8 years for me. Very successful, no issues till now. My right eye is a bit blurry. Saw my regular eye doctor about 7 monthsxago before this started. All was well. Should i see an opthomologist now? I have relocated and my surgeon is in another state. He had said this could happen and would need a lazer treatment.

[@CarnaticNVR]

Hello Doctor! My mother aged 64, with a high myopia of around -8.75 and -9.75 had her cataract surgery with exactly the same combination as the being showcased here. Panoptix toric in left and synergy toric in the right. While synergy went in first, her post surgery vision and the experience was Fantastic almost immediately I.e almost all distances had a high clarity. The Panoptix was done next. However there was a slight preoperative discomfort and she had an edema post op and was def not satisfied with the vision almost immediately but it got better the second day including the irritation. The distance and overall vision now is better with panoptix. Individually the vision is sooper perfect. However when focusing with both eyes she sees a double vision I.e jumbled letters, lines etc. On a review with docs they said it will take time for neuroptical adjustment and will be better with time ! Can you please advise if this will be and in your experience how long might it take. Shall highly appreciate your response

[@sararatliff5872]

What are your thoughts about serum tears for dry eye after cataract surgery?

[@beekind6267]

Im seeing good questions that hv not received an answer. Praying answers were found elsewhere.

[@no9254me]

For cornea transplant patients are Toric multi focal better or monofocal like envista toric ?

[@DaveManalangLV]

Hi Dr. Lee, is your practice in Las Vegas? If you are would definitely look for you to do my cataract surgery. Thank you for all your informative videos.

[@MicheleLeeMD]

I don't practice in Las Vegas, but I'm in a similarly hot climate (Scottsdale, AZ) 🌵

[@speedingAtI94]

One must point out that one must be content with the lens before yag laser because it makes it very hard, if not impossible, to exhange a new lens afterwards.

[@commonsense6967]

100%

[@CarolinePurr]

Hi Dr. did you ever hear of this causing visual hallucinations? If it is in one eye. In the elderly.

[@jeanvignes]

Hi, I really appreciate the detailed information in your videos. Question: How common is it to need the YAG laser procedure for PCO? I had my cataracts removed about 8-10 weeks ago, and I had my final follow-up with my surgeon a few days ago. He said he would like to see me once per year to evaluate how things are going and then said that it was "very likely" ("most likely") that I would start experiencing some opacity within the next year or two and need a laser procedure again. During the lead up to the surgery, everyone I spoke to referred to PCO as "very rare" and "unlikely", not almost guaranteed. Now I'm super confused. He also said that the opacity could recur and that I wouldn't be able to have the YAG laser procedure a second (or third, etc.) time. How did I get from "cataract surgery will cure your cataracts forever, yay" to "oh, the new lens is going to go opaque and at a certain point in the not too distant future (BEFORE I retire, for example) the new lenses will go opaque. I am so worried and confused now. It's hard to talk to my surgeon -- he seems super rushed, like we're on an assembly line and when my three to five minutes are up he just walks out of the room telling me he'll see me in a year. WHO is going to answer my questions?!?

[@devendraaswal1816]

Hello Dr Michele, I had both my eyes operated for cataract with B & L, EDOF lenses. Being myopic with -8/-8 eyesight I had barrage laser for my right eye for a horse shoe tear and left eye for a lattice one week before the operation. The cataract operation was successful, but till now after 4 weeks my vision is still blurred and I cannot see clearly beyond 3 metres, reading vision is good. During post operation check, my laser barrage are healing well, OCT is also good. My query is whether my vision is going to improve over a period of time. I don't mind waiting. Thanks! in advance Doctor.

[@Subgunman]

Still having trouble seeing in the night. Still feel pressure in the lower left portion of the eye as when they inserted the lens. Slight loss of the periphery vision in the left eye which had the surgery on the left eye. Trouble judging distance when driving. The list goes on……

[@gustdewill5196]

I had cataract surgery on my right eye, 3-4 years ago. The right lens in my eyeglasses was replaced with a clear lens, but vision was not as good as my corrected left eye. Later, I got corrective lens for the right eye. I wondered if my ophthalmologist could have selected a different IOL to avoid the corrective right eye lens? Q1. After a year or so, I noticed that my right eye was beginning to see outdoors with a certain cloudiness. It has gotten progressively worse. Every six months, I mentioned to my ophthalmologist this cloudy problem. He seemed to ignore me and always got me out the door within 10 minutes. Should the 6-month exams have seen this cloud? Q2. Exactly why is multi-focal IOL not recommended for AMD? Q3. My ophthalmologist said, multi-focal IOL has a refraction problem. But, online comments indicated, loss of contrast, less light than a monofocal IOL. But a few said, no problem for some patients without naming the IOL manufacturer or type. Any information on the last statement? Q4. I hope you can provide better answers than others. This PCO you described seems to be my right eye's current problem. Thanks for your videos.

[@aliciagriggs8531]

But after yag laser you are not easily able to switch the lens if it is not working for you!!! After yag laser I have a sort of reflection around lights that was not there before.

[@serosderramasnudalo3905]

Can i ask? I have a check up and the doctor told me i have a pasterior capsule opacity. My ask is, part of glaucoma? Thank you for answer my question😊

[@Lilbit2215]

I have issues with my vision. Every other day my vision is cloudy fuzzy and all of the above. The other days I have some what a clear vision. I was told I had cataract by two eye doctors for several years. I went to a third doctor and he told me that something didn't seem normal in that back of my eye and he doesn't know if its cataract. The day I went to that appointment was the day my vision was cloudy fuzzy and all of the above. I'm not sure if I should be worried. He scheduled me for cataract surgery though and pray the only thing I have to worry about.

[@user-hq4jz6lc9d]

Great vid. Nice lady. Is the loss of close-up, reading vision an inevitability after cataract surgery, due to the replacement of the natural lens with a rigid, artificial one? Thanks!

[@danielleaf9146]

I had cataract surgery on both eyes 5 weeks ago and I wished I was told how bad my near vision would be. I had to buy OTC reading glasses and still having problems reading or do anything close up (washing dishes etc..) and forget about my hobbies (sewing, knitting etc). I developed secondary cataract in one eye so I probably need YAG laser surgery but not comfortable doing this treatment. Is there any natural remedy?

[@pathabbena8101]

What are the chances of a retinal detachment with this? I have VMT. Thanks!

[@bsbawa10]

It has been two years since I had cataract surgery. I have not complete blurry vision but have big cloudy spots in both eyes. It obstructs my vision. I have to blink as much as 3-4 times before I can read the text sometimes. I have checked with my ophthalmologist and he says he cannot explain what is doing that but it is not PCO. I have tried dry eye treatments also but that does not seem to be the case. Any guidance can help.

[@craigroberts3732]

I had a dislodged IOL and a new one inserted in the anterior chamber (iris clip) but 3 months post surgery my vision is still blurry and I’m not happy with results.

[@stevenswann2835]

Will YAG capsulotomy worsen existing severe dry eye (as a result of IOL replacement surgery)?

[@latinreuben]

Is there a test to see if there is scar tissue building behind lens?...to rule out PCO?

[@richardpalacios6108]

Thanks for the informative videos. After watching them, I decided to go with the PanOptix multi focal. It has been 3 months and I have mixed feelings. While I don't need glasses anymore for day to day activities, I am not able to see close up, like I used to before. Is this common. Secondly, the Dr. says I have PCO and wants to do the Yak surgery, but cautioned if I do, then won't be able to remove the lens in future. Am at a crossroads as not sure about lens removal and what would be alternative if he does. Welcome your thoughts. Thank you.

[@beekind6267]

@richardpalacios6108 Did u ever receive an answer to ur dilemma? 🥺

[@bsbawa10]

Is it complete cloudy vision or cloudy spot ? I have big cloudy spot 2 years after cataract surgery.

[@tmone13]

Any suggestions on home remedies for cloudy cornea????

[@dakshafata3559]

I’m trying castor oil before resorting to laser. I’m using it directly in my eye. It has to be organic, cold pressed, hexane free and in a glass bottle. I pray it will help. 🙏

[@jeffseguin4872]

Hi doc is that true if the patient is young like 30 40's they have more active in PCO like me im 42 myb1st eye only 3months when i have the Yag laser and now my 2nd eye the dr. said in need again Yag laser for my right eye now 6months ???

[@lisag18]

Thank you for this. I thought i was starting to go blind. This is exactly what's happening. Can the YAG procedure be done if one has drusen or advanced macular degeneration?

[@MicheleLeeMD]

Yes it can, just make sure you talk to your ophthalmologist about your specific risk factors.

[@muhsinmomi6640]

My mother had a successful cataract eye surgery an year ago. Now she is facing double vision. Doctors prescribed some eye drops and tablets. My question is that, only this treatment is needed for this issue? Or needs the laser treatment as you mentioned?

[@scubarojo]

What about the dozens of floaters that arrived with my premium lenses? One in 25 IOL does not end in better vision but worse.

[@ronaldkrikorian4712]

My cataract surgery in my left eye is very red after one week! I’m still blurry!!

[@wsdwsd5092]

Straight after visiting up from my cataract procedure I experienced a painful stabbing pain and liquid squirting out 2:46 of my eye. Why did This happen?

[@user-jb9gc3hy9s]

Dr lee, I just recently had my Cataracts removed. I found out my right eye started to have cloudiness after 3 weeks and made the ophthalmologist aware. He said I had a PCO and told me that I need A Laser surgery but I have to wait after 3 months. The question is if you have the laser surgery can you still have lens exchange in the future ?

[@whiteknight-templarnunc1042]

Have the laser surgery. Dont remove the lens. Many youtube examples of the yag laser and its 5 min and painless. Do that instead of lens removal.

[@donnamcloughlin8394]

I had cataract surgery 6 months ago but the surgeon put the wrong lens in close up instead of distance as i asked for im devastated

[@carloscofresi9832]

Dr operated on my WRONG eye. B But the vision in that eye came out so good.... I never regretted it.

[@lisag18]

Call the surgeon! The surgeon has to fix that

[@vidomkati8027]

I had a cataract surgery 3 weeks ago nd found out I had a blurred vision after operation nd I've told them nd they called me back nd do an Anterior washout,then the thing now is that when I look @ an object,it is far now, it's not the same as other eye,what cause that?.Secondly wht can improve my eye pressure ,bcoz I was told that my eye pressure is low?

[@myobmyob2215]

Here is my big question What if you already have them. Posterior and frontal. Can you take out the posterior ones first.? Why wont anyone address this. Thanks for any and all, trust you.

[@mballer]

What is the difference between this and a posterior subcapsular cataract? Why do the epithelial cells grow?

[@perceptions-wq5ro]

Dr Michelle:ThQ for your inputs. I wish to inform you That my blurry vision: called "cataract" was cleared within 48 hours of applying an ayurveda surma: worked amazingly well. I am now on my way to Improving my vision by combination of meditation, affirmation s n continuously using the surma: an application. Feel so lucky to have been saved from the torture described above. Mumbai/India

[@johnpaulandrews2410]

Hi, can you pls explain in detail??

[@dakshafata3559]

Can you please explain what this is ? Surma? Thank you so much.

[@dakshafata3559]

I see what it is now. Is there a brand that’s better to use? How do you apply it on your eyes? If you can give more info. Thanks.

[@Gstar999]

Hello doctor, earlier i had undergone Lasik for my eyes 16 years back..now i have matured cataract in one eye the other one is fine..can i choose for panoptix trifocal IOL now? many doctors advised that since lasik was done earlier i cannot go for trifocal and the only choice i have now is monofocal..plz help me take the right decision im lot confused , iam 40 years old male i hate to wear glasses.

[@larrystevens2164]

Hello doctor Lee God bless you why don't you let a patient go to sleep while you do the eye surgery special if the patient is nervous it would be easier on you and the patient don't that make sense

[@MicheleLeeMD]

There are a lot of side effects and risks from general anesthesia, so most of the time we do not recommend it. If you have severe anxiety or have difficulty staying still/lying flat, sometimes we do consider putting you out. We like to weigh pros and cons for everything, including anesthesia. Hope this answers your question!

[@helendropinski3754]

NAC (n acetyl carnotine)not cystine eye drops claims to help and prevent cataracts, research this for yourselves. Just saying. I prefer natural approach before surgery.

[@dakshafata3559]

Wish I had before the cataract surgery. 😢

[@travelnewsbeneficialknowle3020]

🙏🙏👍👏