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Treatments > YAG Laser Capsulotomy

YAG Laser Capsulotomy

YAG capsulotomy is laser surgery performed to create a small hole in the cloudy lens capsule. This allows light to pass through the membrane to the retina at the back of the eye and restore vision.

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Symptoms

Following cataract surgery, a small proportion of patients develop clouding of the capsule which covers the lens. This is called posterior capsule opacification or PCO and feels similar to the original cataract. Laser surgery called YAG capsulotomy can correct the problem, and it has a success rate of 95%.

The decision to have this procedure is based on the same criteria as the decision to have the original cataract surgery. Your symptoms may include:

  • Vision problems that are affecting your work or lifestyle.
  • Glare caused by bright lights is a problem.
  • PCO is preventing you passing the necessary vision test required for a driver’s license.
  • You experience blurred or ghosting in your vision.
  • The difference in vision between your two eyes is significant.

 

Risks

YAG laser capsulotomy is a very low risk procedure but as with cataract surgery, it is important to weigh the risks and possible benefits before deciding to have the surgery. Possible risks or side effects include:

  • Increase in floaters.
  • Raised intraocular pressure.
  • Inflammation.
  • Halos/glare.
  • Lens damage.
  • Retinal tear/detachment.

The procedure

YAG laser capsulotomy is a very low risk procedure but as with cataract surgery, it is important to weigh the risks and possible benefits before deciding to have the surgery. Possible risks or side effects include:

  • Increase in floaters.
  • Raised intraocular pressure.
  • Inflammation.
  • Halos/glare.
  • Lens damage.
  • Retinal tear/detachment.

The procedure

If you wear contact lenses, leading up to your clinic appointment please do not wear:

  • soft lenses for one week.
  • hard lenses for two weeks.

You can eat and drink as normal before you come in.

Take all your medication as usual unless specifically advised not to.

Please do not wear ANY make-up or face creams whatsoever. This includes all types of facial make-up from mascara to foundation and even lipstick.

YAG capsulotomy is a straightforward and usually takes 10 to 12 minutes. Your whole appointment should take an hour. It is carried out as an outpatient procedure (usually at the same appointment as your assessment) and under topical anaesthetic using eyedrops (an injection not being necessary for most people).

Your consultant will use the YAG laser to create a small hole in the cloudy lens capsule. You will see bright flashes of lights and hear clicks, but it is not painful. The contact lens on the eye will feel strange, sometimes with a little pressure, but should not be painful either. If necessary, it is possible to treat both eyes at the same visit.

You will be able to go home the same day.

Please ensure you have somebody to drive you to and from this appointment as the ophthalmologist cannot properly examine your eyes without dilating your pupils with eyedrops.

Recovery

 Feeling should start to return to your eye within a few hours of surgery, but it may take a few days for your vision to return fully.

It’s perfectly normal to have:

  • Grittiness.
  • Watering.
  • Blurred vision.
  • A red or bloodshot eye.

These side effects usually improve within a few days, but it can take four to six weeks to recover fully.

Avoid heavy exertion for four to six weeks.

Your glasses prescription may change after the laser treatment.

When to seek medical help

Contact your eye surgery department or GP as soon as possible if you experience:

  • Increased pain and/or redness or weeping.
  • Sudden loss of vision or decreased vision.
  • Flashes of light, many black spots or a curtain effect across your vision.