Posted , 6 users are following.
hi all, had cataract surgery in Feb 2019 and just got back from optho and she says i have the beginning of PCO. I had no idea. she advises I wait to do YAG until it becomes bothersome. I am in shock as I thought my vision was good. I read 20/20 today. Did this happen quickly to anyone else? how fast is it likely to get worse?
0 likes, 27 replies
We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.
Guest Hudsongrl
Posted
I am 4 months in after surgery, and I was told I had no more pco "than expected".
I found out that pco is not an on/off thing, in fact pco is also what secures the lens in the capsular bag. But if/when it gets thick right in the middle behind the lens, it can interrupt with the light that is going through, and if/when it does, you would consider having it removed in a hole right behind the lens.
I understand your shock, our eyes are so precious, and it can really be worrying.
I asked when we normally would consider having it fixed, she said when it is bothersome and gives you noticeable worse vision. She pointed to the matt desk pad underneath her pc keyboard, and said this is how it looks like for me, when I look in an eye that needs pco treatment.
She could not give me any clue on how long time it takes before it gets to become a problem, she said it varies a lot, for some it happens within a couple of month, for some it takes many years. But I should be aware of it, and call them, when/if my vision becomes noticeable worse.
Hudsongrl
Posted
ok thanks. i have anxiety now because i still need cataract surgery down the road on left eye and I thought i had good vision in the right one with PCO. Yet, I read 20/20'in both eyes today. shrug. thankful for that.
Guest Hudsongrl
Posted
Yes, I understand why it comes as a shock.
I was born with cataracts, and the statistics say that I have very close to 100% risk of pco that needs surgery, so I consider it as part of the package, but off course I would rather not.
The Yag procedure have not really changed the last 30 years, they shoot a small hole in the capsular bag behind the lens, it only takes few seconds. The laser shoots from different angles at the same time, and only at the point where the laser beams intersect will something happen to the tissue, so there are no holes in the outer part of the eye, it is quick and painless, and there is no risk of infection or anything like that.
When you had the lens implanted, the surgeon made a hole in the front part of the capsular bag.
It is a hole similar to that hole, that is being made with the Yag laser on the backside of the lens.
Outcome of yag is normally very safe and effective, off course there is always risks, but most people have really good results.
I know several that have had pco treated with Yag, for them it was quick and effective, it restored their vision within few hours, and they have had no complications.
One of them had it done more than 20 years ago, he almost could not remember it, when I asked him about it.
But you decide for yourself, when it is time to have it done, and when it is done it will last for a lifetime. you only need to have the Yag procedure once.
Hudsongrl Guest
Posted
thank you. i am super bummed. but i know things could be worse
W-H Hudsongrl
Posted
You will be good. Don't worry too much. The hardest part was done when your eye was operated.
Hudsongrl W-H
Posted
thank you
i called my doc back and they said very mild PCO right now
nothing i can do about it:(
does anyone think computer or ipad use makes it worse?
W-H Hudsongrl
Posted
No!!!! !!!!
Use of electronic devices DEFINITELY does NOT make it worse 😃
W-H Guest
Posted
By surgery you mean YAG? or are you saying that in your case surgery would be required to make the opening?
Guest W-H
Posted
I meant laser surgery, yes yag 😃
ara21947 Hudsongrl
Posted
Hudsongrl, sometimes lay help on forums can be scary and sometimes it can be reassuring ,but some of us cant help reading and asking. I say this only because a friend of mine who had cataract surgery 3 years ago mentioned to his ophthalmologist that his eye was blurry. He told me the story : "he took this light thing and in a few seconds fixed it. what a relief" . In this case ignorance is bliss and all is well. I'd be the same as you and worried, but remembering my friends response, I think we will be ok. Be sure and update us since we are the ones on here pondering and worrying 😃