Why does the posterior capsule opacify after cataract surgery?

22/07/2020

I’m 65 and had my cataracts operated on two years ago.  Now I can't see well and I've been told I have to undergo another operation. Why does the posterior capsule opacify after cataract surgery?

After cataract surgery, some lens epithelial cells remain inside the capsular bag despite the exhaustive polishing undertaken in order to leave it as transparent as possible at the end of the surgical procedure. Over time, these cells multiply and migrate towards the posterior capsule causing it to opacify.

Furthermore, it has been reported that the design of certain intraocular lenses may influence the migration of the epithelial cells inside the capsular bag. Therefore, this detail must be taken into account when selecting the model of intraocular lens to be implanted.

Dr. Federico Trejos, ophthalmologist