YAG Laser Capsulotomy After Cataract Surgery
Make an Appointment
Our team is here to help you make an appointment with the specialists that you need.
YAG Laser Capsulotomy After Cataract Surgery
Surgery Overview
YAG laser capsulotomy is surgery to help you see clearly after cataract surgery. You may need this surgery because months or years after cataract surgery, your vision may get fuzzy again. This happens when a membrane in your eye, called the posterior capsule, becomes cloudy. This is sometimes called a "secondary cataract."
What To Expect
You may have to wait in the outpatient surgery area or the doctor's office for 1 to 2 hours. This is so the doctor can check for pressure in your eye (intraocular pressure, or IOP).
It will take a few days to see as clearly as possible. You shouldn't have pain. You should be able to return to work or your normal routine the day after surgery.
It is common to see spots or floaters for a few weeks after surgery.
Why It Is Done
After cataract surgery, some people notice cloudiness (sometimes called aftercataract) after several months or years. In some people, it can become very dense and cause as much or more vision loss as the original cataract.
The decision to have this procedure is based on the same things as the decision to have the original cataract surgery. You may have the procedure if:
- Vision problems are affecting your work or lifestyle.
- Glare caused by bright lights is a problem.
- You have another vision-threatening eye disease.
You don't need the procedure unless vision loss caused by clouding of the lens capsule is seriously affecting your vision and lifestyle.
How Well It Works
The procedure reduces glare and improves vision. It lets light pass through a new opening or "window" in the cloudy lens capsule that may form after cataract surgery.
Risks
The most common complication of the procedure is short-term increased pressure inside the eye. You may need to use eyedrops to lower the eye pressure.
Other risks include:
- Detachment of the nerve layer at the back of the eye (retinal detachment).
- Swelling of the center of the retina (macular edema).
- Damage or displacement of the intraocular lens.
- Bleeding into the front of the eye.
- Swelling of the clear covering of the eye (corneal edema).
Credits
Current as of: July 31, 2024
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Current as of: July 31, 2024
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.
To learn more about Ignite Healthwise, LLC, visit webmdignite.com.
Ā© 2024 Ignite Healthwise, LLC. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Ignite Healthwise, LLC.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.