What Is a Posterior Capsulotomy?
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology a posterior capsulotomy is laser surgery you might need sometime after cataract surgery. It helps you see clearly if your vision becomes cloudy again.
When you have cataract surgery, your ophthalmologist removes your eye’s cloudy lens. They replace it with a clear, artificial intraocular lens (IOL). The IOL is held in place in the eye’s natural lens capsule. Weeks, months or years later, this capsule can become cloudy or wrinkled, causing blurry vision. This is called a posterior capsule opacification (PCO). It’s also sometimes called a “secondary cataract” or “scar tissue.” With posterior capsulotomy, a laser is used to make an opening in the cloudy capsule. This allows light to pass through again for clear vision.
What Happens During Posterior Capsulotomy?
The procedure is done in your ophthalmologist’s office. It only takes about 5 minutes. Here is what will happen:
-Your eye will be numbed with eye drops.
-Your ophthalmologist will point a special laser at the back of the lens capsule and make a small opening.
-After the procedure, usually you can do all your normal daily activities, including driving. Your ophthalmologist will tell you if there are things you should not do right after surgery.
-You may need to use eye-drop medicine for one week after the surgery. Your ophthalmologist will let you know if this is necessary.
-If you have no other eye problems affecting your vision, your sight should improve in about 24 hours.
Griffin Eye Center, Surgeon, Neil Griffin, M.D., specializes in cataract, LASIK and corneal surgery. Dr. Griffin is board certified, fellowship trained in cornea and external disease and was named one of the top cataract surgeons in the US by Precision Eye Center. Dr. Griffin and his highly experienced staff offer a consultation to help you decide which cataract procedure and ocular lenses fit your unique lifestyle.
If you are looking for a cataract surgeon or want to know your options for cataract surgery visit griffineyecenter.com or schedule an appointment 843-449-6414.