Blurry Vision After Cataract Surgery? Let’s Talk About Posterior Capsular Opacification (PCO)
By Dr. Irina Yakubin, OD – Your Local Optometrist in Santa Monica
So, you’ve had cataract surgery. Your vision was clearer, colors popped, and everyday life got just a little easier. But now—months or even years later—things seem blurry again. You might even be wondering, “Is my cataract coming back?”
The good news? No, cataracts don’t return. But you might be dealing with something called Posterior Capsular Opacification (PCO)—a common and treatable condition that can show up after cataract surgery.
At OptiHealth Optometry in Santa Monica, we’re here to explain what’s going on and how a simple, painless laser treatment called YAG Capsulotomy can get you seeing clearly again.
What Is Posterior Capsular Opacification (PCO)?
During cataract surgery, the cloudy lens inside your eye is replaced with a clear artificial one. That lens sits inside a thin membrane, called the capsular bag. Over time, cells can grow along the back of this capsule, creating a cloudy film that blurs your vision. This is called Posterior Capsular Opacification, or PCO for short.
It’s sometimes called a “secondary cataract,” but it’s not a true cataract—it’s just a common side effect.
Symptoms of PCO may include:
Blurred or foggy vision
Glare or halos, especially with lights at night
Trouble reading or seeing details
Feeling like your cataract has come back
Is It Common?
Yes! Posterior Capsular Opacification is one of the most common complications after cataract surgery—affecting about 1 in 4 patients. It usually develops within a few months to a few years after surgery.
Fortunately, there’s a fast and effective solution available right here in Santa Monica.
What Is a YAG Laser Capsulotomy?
A YAG Capsulotomy is a non-invasive laser procedure we perform right here in-office. Using a special laser (YAG stands for yttrium aluminum garnet), we make a tiny opening in the cloudy back portion of the lens capsule. This allows light to pass through clearly again.
The procedure takes just a few minutes:
No needles
No stitches
No downtime
You’ll be back to your regular routine the same day, and your vision should improve quickly—often within 24–48 hours.
Is It Safe?
Absolutely. YAG capsulotomy is considered very safe and is routinely performed by opth. While rare side effects can include temporary floaters or a spike in eye pressure, we monitor you closely to ensure your eyes remain healthy.
Do You Need a Santa Monica Eye Exam First?
Yes—if you're experiencing blurry vision after cataract surgery, the first step is to schedule a comprehensive eye exam at our Santa Monica optometry office. We'll check for PCO, rule out other causes of vision loss, and talk with you about whether YAG capsulotomy is the right treatment for you.
Get an Eye Exam to Confirm
At OptiHealth Optometry, we believe in providing comprehensive eye care and are happy to refer you to the approriate provider for further care as needed. If you're noticing changes in your sight, we’re here to help. Our experienced optometrist, Irina Yakubin, provides personalized care, advanced diagnostics, and compassionate service—all right here in Santa Monica.
Need an Eye Exam in Santa Monica?
Call us today or book online to schedule your appointment. Let’s keep your vision sharp, comfortable, and crystal clear.
