Blurred vision after cataract surgery may be due to PCO or other eye conditions; a full examination is needed to distinguish them.
Signs suggestive of PCO
PCO‑related blur has recognisable features.
- Gradual return of misty, glare‑prone vision months or years after surgery
- Halo or fog around lights, especially at night
- Clear documentation of capsule haze behind a stable implant
- Limited improvement with updated glasses alone
- Other structures (cornea, macula, optic nerve) appearing largely healthy
Signs pointing to other causes
Alternative diagnoses change management.
- Sudden blur, distortion, or a dark patch in central vision
- Eye pain, redness, or rapid vision loss suggesting acute disease
- Findings of macular degeneration, diabetic maculopathy, or retinal vein occlusion
- Corneal oedema, dry eye, or scarring on the front of the eye
- Refractive surprises or lens misplacement altering focus rather than transparency
