YAG Laser Capsulotomy
YAG capsulotomy is a laser intervention that can be done several months after the cataract surgery. During cataract surgery, a blurry lens is removed and an artificial intraocular lens implant is placed into the capsular bag inside the eye. The implant is placed with the help of the lens capsule. A few weeks, months, or years after the surgery this capsule can become blurry and wrinkled, to cause blurry vision. This state is called posterior capsular opacification or secondary cataract. The surgeon performs posterior capsulotomy with YAG laser, i.e. makes a small opening on the capsule. This opening enables an uninterrupted passage of light and thus makes the vision clear again.
Procedure
This is an outpatient surgery and lasts a couple of minutes. Before the procedure, the doctor should do cycloplegia by putting mydriatic eye drops. During the intervention, the ophthalmologist can use special magnifying glass for the eye.
After the intervention, you can resume your regular activities, including driving. The ophthalmologist will give you advice on the therapy you should use for a week. After 24 hours you should notice the recovery of visual acuity, except in the case when there are other eye problems.
Possible Complications
Like with any intervention, there are possible risks and complications with YAG laser capsulotomy:
- Possibility of retinal detachment (the retina pulls away from blood vessels). The symptoms are “grey curtain” which seems to float over a part of your vision, as well as opacities or little “flies”. You should consult the ophthalmologist immediately in case of these symptoms.
- After the intervention, intraocular pressure may rise
- Subluxation or dislocation of the intraocular implant
- Possible swelling of the conjunctiva (in that case steroid drops are prescribed)