PCO
Medical abbreviation · Ophthalmology & ENT
| Stands for | Posterior capsule opacification |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
PCO stands for Posterior capsule opacification, an ophthalmology & ENT abbreviation.
Clouding of the thin membrane that holds an artificial lens after cataract surgery, causing gradually blurred or hazy vision months to years later. It is often called a "secondary cataract" and is treated with a quick laser procedure.
Example: Blurred vision OD 2 years after cataract surgery; dense PCO, schedule YAG capsulotomy.
Usage notes
PCO is the most common late complication of cataract surgery, though modern lens designs have reduced it. The cataract itself does not grow back. In gynecology PCO means polycystic ovaries, as in polycystic ovary morphology.
Related abbreviations
More ophthalmology & ENT abbreviations
- OAE – Otoacoustic emissions
- OCT – Optical coherence tomography
- OE – Otitis externa
- OM – Otitis media
- OME – Otitis media with effusion
- PACG – Primary angle-closure glaucoma
- PD – Pupillary distance
- PDR – Proliferative diabetic retinopathy
- PND – Postnasal drip
- POAG – Primary open-angle glaucoma
- PRP – Panretinal photocoagulation
- PTA – Peritonsillar abscess
See all 74 ophthalmology & ENT abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.