YAG Laser

WHAT IS YAG LASER CAPSULOTOMY?

YAG laser capsulotomy is a laser procedure that is commonly performed after cataract surgery. The posterior capsule is the fine membrane behind the lens of the eye. The capsule is left in the eye following cataract surgery to support the artificial lens implant. In some patients the transparent membrane becomes thickened causing your vision to become less clear. This thickening can occur months or even years after surgery, and a YAG laser capsulotomy is required to improve the eyesight. YAG stands for Yttrium, Aluminum and Garnet crystals which are used to generate the laser. YAG laser capsulotomy is a safe, non-invasive procedure, and serious complications are rare.

YAG-Laser img

What to expect during the procedure?

Drops to dilate your pupils will be put into one or both eyes which will blur your vision for several hours. You will not be able to drive home after having these drops, so please bring a companion with you or make suitable transport arrangements. The procedure is performed with a laser machine with a chin and head rest similar to the one you usually have your eyes examined on. A contact lens may be placed on the eye to focus the laser beam and keep the eye open. Anaesthetic drops will be instilled should a contact lens be used.

The procedure lasts approximately 5 minutes, during which time you will hear sounds similar to “beeping” and “clicks”. A bright light which might cause minimal discomfort is used to help focus the laser.

Risks of a YAG laser capsulotomy

As with any medical procedure, laser treatment has its risks, and an improvement in eyesight cannot be guaranteed. Serious complications are rare, and occurs in less than 1% of those undergoing the procedure.

 

AFTER THE TREATMENT

Your vision will be blurred immediately after the YAG laser treatment, but it should improve over the following few hours. You may need some drops to take at home, and we will advise you on this.

  • You can go back to your normal activities the day after your laser.
  • Commonly you may notice “floaters” in the eye, but these tend to settle within the first few weeks.
  • If you experience a sudden shower of “floaters”, flashes of light in the eye or the feeling of a curtain coming over your vision you should contact the hospital and/or your local Optometrist as this may indicate a retinal detachment.
  • You should also make contact if you experience severe pain or loss of vision after treatment.
  • You should make arrangements to see your own Optometrist a few weeks after your laser.

Risks of a YAG laser capsulotomy include:

Retinal Detachment – the retina, which is the inner lining of the eye can become detached. If left untreated, this can lead to reduced or complete loss of eyesight. However, if detected early, it can usually be successfully treated. The incidence of retinal detachment is rare.

Macular oedema – the retina can become swollen causing blurry or distorted vision. This can be treated medically, but the swelling may take many weeks to improve. The chance of macula oedema after YAG capsulotomy is generally rare, but is more common in people with diabetes. The procedure may cause transient elevation in your eye pressure. This can usually be medically treated.

Other risks – The artificial lens in the eye may be damaged by the YAG laser causing visual problems. In rare circumstances the lens may dislocate or subsequently need to be changed. Rarely additional medical or laser treatment may be needed after the YAG capsulotomy procedure.