YAG (Yttrium Aluminum Garnet) Laser for Secondary Cataract Surgery (Posterior Capsulotomy

The natural lens of the eye is enclosed in a clear, cellophane-like membrane called the capsule. During cataract surgery the front of the capsule is opened in a circular fashion. The cloudy lens/cataract inside the capsule is removed. In most cases, the back of the capsule is left intact, and an artificial lens is positioned within the capsule.

Sometimes this capsule of the eye can become opacified (cloudy) over time. This is called a “secondary cataract.” You may notice a slow decrease in vision, problems with glare, or things might look slightly hazy. This process may occur shortly after cataract surgery or several years after surgery. If this becomes a problem, your ophthalmologist may suggest a YAG laser treatment to help clear your vision.

YAG Laser Treatment

The YAG laser is used to create an opening in the center of the posterior capsule. The procedure will be done in the office. Drops will be used to dilate the pupil and control eye pressure. The actual treatment with the laser should take less than 5 minutes to perform and is completely painless.

Your eye may feel scratchy or seem blurry for the rest of the day but should be back to normal by the next morning. Most people go back to their normal activities the following day after the procedure.

Risk with Laser Treatment

The treatment is noninvasive and very safe. No procedure is without any risk. The laser can cause the eye pressure to rise during or after the treatment. The intra ocular lens could be marked from the laser. This rarely affects your vision.

Inflammation (swelling) in the eye could develop after the treatment. Special medicine can be used to prevent this problem. An increased number of floaters in your eye can develop after treatment. These should resolve after a week. The laser treatment can also slightly increase the chance of having a detached retina, although this is very uncommon.

After the Treatment

Because your eye will be dilated, you may notice blurry vision for several hours after the treatment. You may feel better wearing sunglasses. There are no restrictions on your activity.
Your ophthalmologist may prescribe drops to use for a few days to prevent inflammation in the eye.

When to Call

• If your eye becomes painful or if you have a decrease in vision.

• If you have any questions or concerns.
  

Who to Call

Clinic staff can be reached Monday through Friday from 8:00 am until 5:00 pm. (608) 263-7171
After hours, weekends and holidays call the paging operator at (608) 262-0486. Ask for the “ophthalmology resident on call.” Give your name and phone number with the area code. The doctor will call you back.
The toll-free number is 1-800-323-8942