Lasers are an important tool used in treating the clouding of vision which sometimes occurs after cataract surgery. When a cataract is removed, we leave the back or posterior portion of the lens capsule in place. The implant placed during surgery rests against this capsule. This posterior capsule is initially clear. In about 20% of patients following cataract surgery, this membrane becomes cloudy with time and can interfere with your sight. The symptoms may include blurred vision and glare. This clouding is often described as a sensation similar to looking through dirty glasses. In order to restore your sight, we perform a procedure called a posterior capsulotomy using a YAG laser which is especially designed for opening this cloudy membrane.
Laser cataract surgery boasts many benefits in contrast to traditional cataract surgery. For example, the computer-guided laser used during laser cataract surgery offers a level of customization, allowing surgeons to perform surgeries specific to the patient’s unique anatomy. Patients everywhere have been experiencing this surgery with great results, and you can too!
A YAG laser posterior capsulotomy is a surgical procedure that uses a special laser to create a window of clear vision in the clouded capsule. It is not necessary to remove the entire capsule, but only to make an opening in it to allow for the passage of light. The laser procedure is performed in a matter of minutes with no discomfort in the Surgery Center, a freestanding Medicare participating facility. The alternative to YAG laser treatment is conventional surgery, which carries a significantly greater risk of complications.
Because your eye is dilated during treatment, you may decide not to drive a car immediately after the procedure. Otherwise, there are no limitations on your activities. The treated eye may be blurry and sensitive to light for four to six hours after the YAG laser treatment; wearing dark glasses until your pupil returns to normal size will help alleviate this.
YAG laser treatment is one of the safest procedures in ophthalmology, effectively restoring sight in nearly all cases in which there in no other disorder. In the hands of a skilled physician, there is little to worry about. Because there is no incision with the YAG laser procedure, there is no pain and no chance of infection. You may experience floaters for a week or two in the treated eye(s). This is normal and to be expected.
However, no procedure is risk-free. In a very small percentage of patients (less than 1 in 1000), there is a risk of fluid forming on the retina or a retinal detachment. Fortunately these complications are extremely rare and can often be corrected if they occur.
