POSTERIOR CAPSULOTOMY BY USE OF YAG LASER

Cataract surgery is very common and is one of the most successful surgeries today. Think of a peanut m&m. During cataract surgery, the surgeon takes the peanut out. The chocolate inside is removed and a new peanut (plastic lens) called an IOL is inserted. The thin candy capsule is left to support the new peanut (lens) and to maintain the integrity of the eye

For most people this back coating (posterior capsule) is left clear (like cellophane) at the time of the surgery. However, over time, the posterior capsule can become cloudy again, like wax paper. This makes a patient feel like their cataract is coming back, and symptoms return like glare in sunshine or driving at night. Upon examination by your eyecare physician the cloudy and wrinkled posterior capsule can be seen under magnification. This clouding or wrinkling is part of a normal process for some people, but should not be considered a major problem.

A specific laser has been developed to help with this visual problem. Eyesight Associates uses a special low energy laser called a YAG. This short procedure is painless and complications are very uncommon. Once the patient has noted the visual disturbance and the diagnosis of posterior capsule opacity has been made, the YAG laser can be focused on this now cloudy membrane to make a small opening in it. Once the opening is made, it will allow the passage of light, and once again, clearer vision for most patients. With the lens (IOL) in position for a period of time, there is no longer a danger of it moving backwards.

Medicare guidelines dictate that YAG lasers generally should not be done within the first three months after cataract surgery. Usually, this is not a problem, but should there be a major visual problem; there may be exceptions to the rule. Posterior capsulotomy (YAG) is usually effective, but as with all surgical procedures, rare complications can occur such as swelling or retinal problems. A post-operative appointment is made following the YAG and the eye is dilated for the exam. It is our goal at Eyesight Associates to have patients seeing their best!

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