Posterior Capsule Opacification

Have you previously had cataract surgery and are now finding your vision becoming unclear or cloudy? Are you having difficulty reading, recognising faces, or seeing the television or road signs as if you’re developing cataracts again? Have you noticed glare or dazzle from lights at night? You may well have developed posterior capsule opacification (PCO).


Severe PCO		Advanced Capsule Opacification

What is PCO?

PCO is a thickening in the membrane that supports and holds the new lens implant put inside the eye when you have cataract surgery. This membrane is normally transparent and allows light to pass freely through your eye to form a clear image on the retina. In some patients this membrane thickens up after surgery and becomes cloudy or wrinkled.

How does PCO affect your sight?

Blurry sight - You may notice that your sight has become blurred or misty, or that your glasses seem dirty or appear scratched. Often it’s as if the cataract has returned.

Dazzle - You may be dazzled by lights, such as car headlamps, and sunlight.

What causes PCO?

PCO forms as a result of fine scar tissue forming on the transparent membrane that supports the new lens after cataract surgery. It’s still not certain why this forms but it does seem to be more common with some types of lens implants than others.

What treatment is available?

The most effective way to treat PCO is with a laser. Using state of the art technology, an invisible laser beam is used to painlessly make an opening in the thickened capsule. This allows the light to pass freely to the retina and form a clear image. The good news is that the laser treatment can be carried out directly in clinic and it only takes a few minutes.

When should I have laser treatment?

If you’ve had cataract surgery and later on notice your vision deteriorating you may need laser treatment for PCO. Your optician will not be able to improve your vision fully with a change of glasses and may refer you for treatment. If your eyesight is interfering with your daily life and your ability to read, to work, or do the things you enjoy you will probably want to consider treatment. If you are a driver you must reach the visual standard required by the Drivers and Vehicle licensing Authority and it may be necessary to have the PCO treated in order to keep your licence.

What happens after the procedure?

Do you remember how your vision was shortly after your cataract surgery? After laser treatment most people notice a rapid improvement in eyesight to around the level achieved after cataract surgery. You won’t need to be on regular drops after treatment for PCO and, although you shouldn’t drive home following the laser, you will be able to carry on with normal daily activities. You will probably notice some floaters in your vision for a few days after the procedure.

Who am I? And why should you trust your eye health to me?

My name is Andrew Pearson and I am a Consultant Eye Surgeon - my NHS practice is based at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading and the Prince Charles Eye Unit, Windsor.
I always see private patients personally and at your convenience – usually within the week. I have performed several thousand successful cataract operations, so have plenty of experience of laser treatment for PCO.

How do I make an appointment?

I see patients privately at:

Circle Hospital, Reading
100 Drake Way
Reading
RG2 0NE

The Princess Margaret Hospital, Windsor
Osborne Road
Windsor
Berkshire SL4 3SJ

Spire Thames Valley Hospital
Wexham Street
Slough
SL3 6NH

To arrange an expert assessment of your eyes simply contact my secretary Susanna Morys:

Tel: 01753 841567
Email: Click here to email

Your eye health is extremely important – don’t delay, make an appointment TODAY.

Click here for map locations of the hospitals above