Eye problems.

[benmaise]

I had my cataracts done about two years ago, My eyes have been fine. About a month ago I noticed my eyesight is not as good. Everything looks faded I can't see very well. Everything; looks hazy.. My Optician says I need Laser treatment. She said this happens often after having cataracts done. I do have RA but it's almost in remission. I wondered if anyone else had this problem. I love reading but I need a magnifying glass to read. .

[whitedog]

Hi

I think it's quite common for a hazy membrane to develop behind the lens following cataract surgery. Assume it's that in your case if the optician has said you need laser. It's called Posterior Capsule Opacity or Opacification.

I'm virtually blind in my right now (can make out shapes and shadows) from uveitis/glaucoma and had cataract surgery on my left earlier this year. I sometimes find my vision quite blurry but, in my case, I have vitreous detachment floating about and MGD (dry eye) in both so lots of niggly issues but I don't think PCO has got to me yet!

Have you been referred for laser?

[Fruitandnutcase]

I’ve just read your post to my husband who is a retired optometrist has just said ‘three quarters of people who have had their cataracts done’ need it done.

You need YAG laser treatment and it only takes a couple of minutes. Your optician should have booked you in to have it done.

[Gilliancheche in reply to Fruitandnutcase]

Yes I had this done it was quick easy and effective. Good luck

[springcross]

Hi benmaise. Whitedog is absolutely right about the PCO. I was surprised after I was told after my cataract surgery in April last year that I had PCO (I hadn't even realised it) and that if it became cloudy, I would have to have laser treatment. Fortunately, it's hardly a problem for me but it can develop up to several years later I understand. I have copied a couple of paragraphs from the RNIB web site to explain why it happens.

PCO occurs because cells remaining after cataract surgery grow over the back (posterior) of the capsule causing it to thicken and become slightly opaque (cloudy). This means that light is less able to travel clearly through to the retina at the back of your eye. As a result, your sight can become blurred and cloudy, or you may have problems with bright lights and glare.

The effects of PCO on your sight are very similar to the changes you may have had when your cataract first started to cause you problems. If you have had cataract surgery in both eyes, PCO can affect both eyes, but each eye may be affected at different times.

Good luck with your laser treatment.

[Feank]

Yes you need YAG laser treatment. I had both eyes done after 2 years of cataract surgery. It's quick painless and successful. Contact your optician who will arrange it. Good luck

[Shonkie]

I think this is almost a norm for cataract surgery. I certainly had laser treatment for scarring which is painless and worked well for me

[Gnarli]

My father had the same problem, but the YAG laser solved it for him quickly and painlessly.

[Impie]

Hello yes I've had exactly the same and it is apparently common. I've had the laser and it's still blurred so I'm going back again this week to have it checked xxx

[jeniwall]

Hi My Mum who was in her 90's had this and had Laser treatment. It was a simple quick and painless procedure and her eye was great after. Definately get it done.

[benmaise]

Thank you all for your very helpful replies.I feel much better about it now. I wonder how long I will have to wait. I don't. want to pay privately. I will if it is going to be a long time.