What is a YAG Laser Capsulotomy?
The natural lens of the eye is encased in an elastic-like capsular bag that holds the lens in place. When performing cataract surgery, your eye surgeon opens the front portion of the capsular bag in order to remove the lens. After completely removing the natural lens, the intraocular lens is positioned inside the capsular bag. The capsule stabilizes and supports the intraocular lens and protects the back of the eye.
Following cataract surgery, the capsule may become cloudy, causing blurred, hazy vision. Some patients may also experience glare problems when driving at night. This common condition, known as posterior capsule opacification, or PCO occurs in almost 50% of patients who undergo cataract surgery.
How is it performed?
PCO is easily treated in the office using a YAG laser. Dilating drops are instilled and the laser is used to create an opening in
the center of the cloudy capsule. Most patients notice an instant
improvement in their vision, while others experience a gradual improvement over several days. YAG capsulotomy is painless and takes just a few minutes to perform.
Following laser, patients return to the office in about 2 weeks for a re-check to ensure that everything went OK.
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