Procedures

YAG Laser Capsulotomy

YAG laser capsulotomy is a procedure used to treat complications that can arise following cataract surgery. The treatment is painless and it only takes a matter of minutes to complete.

When inserting an intraocular lens (IOL) to treat cataracts, the surgeon makes an incision in the capsular bag that surrounds the lens of the eye. Though this incision heals quickly, often times this capsule will begin to produce visible cells after the surgery has occurred (this can be days, months, or even years following the operation); this is a common postoperative condition in the case of cataract surgery, as roughly 40% of IOL recipients experience it. These cells can clutter vision, leading to blurred and hazy eyesight, or problems with glare at night.

During this procedure, the surgeon administers eye drops to dilate the eyes, at which point the YAG laser is used to create an opening in the capsule of cloudy cells allowing more light to reach the retina. Many patients experience immediate results from the therapy.