Posterior Capsule Opacification

Posterior capsule opacification (PCO), also known as after-cataract and secondary cataract, is the most prevalent complication following cataract surgery. The basis of the condition is a pronounced wound-healing response from residual lens epithelial cells, which colonize the lens posterior capsule, deform the matrix, and form cell aggregates. This ultimately leads to light scatter within the visual axis. An artificial lens is routinely introduced at surgery; improved designs have reduced the incidence of PCO, but the problem still remains significant. In this article, our knowledge of the biological basis of PCO and methods to manage the problem will be discussed.