Posterior capsular opacification (PCO) is a complication of cataract surgery caused by a clouding of the capsule that holds the lens in place. The capsule is not removed during cataract surgery. In 20 percent of people, the capsule becomes cloudy and interferes with vision, just as the cataract did, All About vision states. PCO is treated by YAG laser, which puts a hole in the capsule that lets light through. Like any laser procedure, YAG can have complications.
Retinal Detachment
The retina, the light-sensing tissue that transmits visual signals to the brain, lines the back wall of the eyeball and normally adheres tightly to it. When part of the retina detaches from the back wall of the eye, it's called a retinal detachment. Retinal detachment can seriously affect vision if it occurs in the area of the macula, the central point of vision on the retina. Cataract surgery carries about a 1 percent risk for retinal detachment, but this risk increases to approximately 2 percent after YAG laser, All About Vision states. Retinal detachment after YAG is more common in men and in patients with myopia, or nearsightedness, Maqsood Burq and Ather Taqui reported in their 2005-2006 study in the "Journal of Pakistan Medical Association." Surgery may be required to repair a retinal detachment.
Elevated Intraocular Pressure
A rise in intraocular pressure (IOP) after YAG is very common, occurring in 46 percent of people, Burq and Taqui report. This rise is usually transient and can be treated with eye drops that lower IOP, if necessary. People who develop elevated IOP should be followed for more than one year to assess for development of glaucoma, which is high IOP that damages the optic nerve.
Cystoid Macular Edema
Cystoid macular edema (CME) is a frequent complication of cataract surgery and can also occur in patients undergoing YAG. Fluid accumulates in the macula and causes vision loss. CME is a complication of YAG laser for PCO just under 1 percent to 2.5 percent of the time, Burq and Taqui state, although their study found a much higher rate of nearly 10 percent. Corticosteroid eye drops are used to treat CME.
Other Risks
Other risks of YAG laser for PCO include damage to the implanted lens and mild anterior uveitis, which is an inflammation of the middle part of the eye. Uveitis is normally treated with corticosteroid eye drops. Iritis, inflammation of the iris, the colored portion of the eye and endophthalmitis, infection of the eye, occur rarely.
