Aa
cataract is back
Dear Doc.,
My son had a cataract removed from 1 eye at the age of 5. No cataract in the other eye. No cataract history in the family. Developed amblyopia as a result. Pre-op vision 20-200.
A surgery was performed 18 mos. ago. Afterward, the surgeon informed us that the capsule on the posterior side was weak and the cataract almost " seeped" through.
At his last check up (a week ago) his doctor discovered cloudiness in the lower portion of the capsule behind the implant. No change in vision ( after patching - vision now 20-50), no increased pressure in the eye. He wants to see him in 3 months and then determine if another surgery ( with retinal surgeon) is necessary.
How common is this and should I be concerned ?
My son had a cataract removed from 1 eye at the age of 5. No cataract in the other eye. No cataract history in the family. Developed amblyopia as a result. Pre-op vision 20-200.
A surgery was performed 18 mos. ago. Afterward, the surgeon informed us that the capsule on the posterior side was weak and the cataract almost " seeped" through.
At his last check up (a week ago) his doctor discovered cloudiness in the lower portion of the capsule behind the implant. No change in vision ( after patching - vision now 20-50), no increased pressure in the eye. He wants to see him in 3 months and then determine if another surgery ( with retinal surgeon) is necessary.
How common is this and should I be concerned ?
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
The part that's a little different with this case is that the capsule was "weak." I'm not sure what this exactly means but pediatric cataract surgeons usually take the center of the capsule out at the end of surgery given the high rate of posterior capsule opacification in children. It may be they did and there is a piece inferiorly that is obstruction vision. If this is the case, there are two options: 1) YAG laser to the capsule (may be difficult in a 6 year old but some pediatric ophthalmologist do this in the OR even in young kids. 2) Using a posterior approach with a retina surgeon to take the part of the capsule blocking vision from behind. This risks droping or moving the lens in the eye which may lead to other problems down the line. You need to discuss all the risks and benefits of such a surgery with your surgeon(s) and get a consensus on what is the best course of action. A second opinion from another pediatric ophthalmologist may also be in order to get more opinions on whether any action is deemed necessary.
HV
HV
I am not the doc, but I can answer your question.
Yes, it is common to develop an after-cataract or PCO (Posterior Capsule Opacification) some time after cataract surgery. This is usually treated with a Yag Laser.
Yes, it is common to develop an after-cataract or PCO (Posterior Capsule Opacification) some time after cataract surgery. This is usually treated with a Yag Laser.
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