Post Cataract Capsular Haze

What Is A Capsular Haze?

Your cataract sits in a capsule that completely surrounds it. The old method of removing a cataract was to remove the entire capsule. One of the common problems with this method was the gel in the back of the eye would come forward causing a swelling in the retina and interfering permanently with vision. The new method is to open the front part of the capsule, take the cataract out, and leave the back capsule in the eye. This stabilizes the eye and also provides a pocket to slide the implant lens into.

Sooner or later after cataract surgery, this back part of the capsule that was left in the eye can continue to grow cells upon it which causes a blurring of vision. This is called a posterior capsular haze.

What Can Be Done For A Capsular Haze?
When the capsule clouds over, and interferes with vision, we aim a delicate laser beam at the capsule and vaporize the central portion. The patient no longer has to look through the cloudy capsule. This is a brief, painless office procedure as performed in the Key-Whitman Eye Center, and rarely ever has to be repeated. Vision will begin to clear the same day as the laser treatment and the patient can resume normal activities that same day.

Is This A Common Problem?

Yes. Some patients develop a capsular haze within months of their cataract surgery, and some don’t develop it for years, but sooner or later cataract surgery patients will probably have this problem. However, the benefits of leaving this back part of the capsule are worth the very slight inconvenience of coming into the office and taking just a few minutes to have the center part of the capsule vaporized.

How Will I Know If I Have A Capsular Haze?

You will notice that your vision is gradually getting blurry. If this happens, call to schedule an eye exam and we will see if you have a capsular haze. (It may be that your blurry vision only indicated that you need a change in your glasses.)

To schedule your eye exam, contact us at (214) 220-3937.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is posterior capsular haze (PCO) after cataract surgery?
Posterior capsular opacification (PCO), sometimes called “secondary cataract” or capsular haze, happens when the thin membrane left in place to hold your new lens becomes cloudy over time. It's a common, expected part of healing after cataract surgery, not a sign the surgery failed.
Is it normal to have hazy or cloudy vision after cataract surgery?
Some blurriness in the days after surgery is normal as the eye heals. But if hazy or cloudy vision develops weeks to months (or even years) after otherwise successful cataract surgery, it's usually posterior capsular opacification, a separate, very treatable condition, not a problem with the original surgery.
What causes capsular haze, and can it be prevented?
Capsular haze happens when cells grow across the capsule that holds your artificial lens in place, gradually scattering light and blurring vision. It can develop months or years after otherwise successful cataract surgery and isn't fully preventable, it's a natural part of how some eyes heal rather than a result of a specific lens choice or surgical technique.
How is posterior capsular haze treated?
PCO is treated with a quick procedure called a YAG laser capsulotomy, which uses a laser to create a small opening in the cloudy capsule and restore clear vision. It's typically performed at one of Key-Whitman's surgery centers, though it's currently done in-office at the Plano and Rockwall locations; ask your specific office, since this can change as new surgery centers open. The procedure itself takes only a few minutes and doesn't require any incisions.
Is a YAG laser capsulotomy painful or risky?
A YAG laser capsulotomy is painless, performed with numbing eye drops, and takes just a few minutes. Most patients notice clearer vision within a day, and serious complications are rare, making it one of the most straightforward procedures in ophthalmology.