YAG LASER CAPSULOTOMY

 

 

 

What is a Yag laser capsulotomy?

 

A Yag capsulotomy is a simple, commonly performed, very safe laser treatment used to improve your vision after cataract surgery.  During your cataract operation, the natural lens inside your eye that had become cloudy was removed and a plastic lens was put inside the lens membrane (called the capsule). In 20% of patients, the capsule thickens after surgery and becomes cloudy.  This causes blurred vision and glare.

​

Capsule thickening can happen weeks, months, or years after your cataract surgery.  Yag laser capsulotomy is the only way to treat this. Apart from affecting your vision, the thickening does not damage the eye in any way.  The laser creates a small hole in the posterior capsule of the lens to allow light to properly pass through the lens which improves your vision.  An alternative to a Yag laser capsulotomy is to do nothing. The capsule may or may not continue to thicken. If it does, you may wish to consider a Yag laser capsulotomy at a later date. There is no urgency to the procedure. 

​

What can I expect during the procedure?

​

This procedure is performed by Dr. Varma in the office. You will receive an anesthetic drop to numb the surface of the eye.  You will sit at a machine – similar to the one used to examine your eyes when you routinely visit the office – which has a special laser attached.  A contact lens will be placed on the eye to focus the laser. The procedure is painless, less than 2 minutes long, and should only require one treatment.  After the laser, Dr. Varma will instill a drop to control the pressure in your eye.  You may notice a temporary increase in floaters after the procedure as well as some light sensitivity.

​

Are there any risks?

​

Extremely rarely, some patients can get swelling at the back of the eye. This is called macular edema, which causes blurring or distortion of vision. Another extremely rare complication is retinal detachment.

 

The following symptoms are rare but should be reported urgently:

• excessive pain or redness

• sudden onset of floaters and flashing lights

• loss of vision

 

What do I need to do to prepare?

​

Since this is an outpatient treatment, you can eat and drink as normal. You must continue to take any eye medication as normal on the day of the laser treatment.

​

Bring sunglasses to wear while the eyes return to normal from dilation. You may need someone to drive you home after your appointment.

​

What happens after the procedure?

​

After the treatment, most patients find that their vision is blurry for a few hours from the drops. Bright lights can also be bothersome. Because of this, it can be helpful to have someone to go home with you, but this is not essential. You should not drive for the rest of the day.

​

Following the procedure, no special treatment is required, and you can go back to your normal daily activities straight away. If you have discomfort once you have returned home, we suggest that you take your usual pain reliever. It is normal to have itchy, gritty or sticky eyes and mild discomfort for the remainder of the day after the treatment.

​

 

What do I need to do after I go home?

​

Anti-inflammatory drops may be prescribed for a few days after the laser treatment. These help to minimize inflammation (not infection) within the eye.

 

Contact Us

If you experience any problems or have any questions following the procedure, please do not hesitate to call us at 306-522-1092.