after cataract

Last reviewed 01/2018

This describes posterior lens capsule opacification due to partially absorbed traumatic cataract or following extracapsular cataract surgery. It results from the attempted regeneration of lens fibres by the remaining subcapsular lens epithelium.

It is usually treated by creating small holes in the posterior capsule using a neodymium - YAG laser.

Complications of this technique include a transient rise in intra-ocular pressure, damage to the intraocular lens, and rupture of the anterior hyaloid face with displacement of vitreous into the anterior chamber.