YAG Laser (Posterior Capsulotomy)
After cataract surgery, some patients may experience a degree of blur, glare, or haziness in their vision. This is often caused by a condition known as posterior capsular opacity and it can occur soon after cataract surgery or years following the procedure. Dr. Michael Sumsion and Dr. Sean Sumsion perform a posterior capsulotomy using a YAG laser to correct your vision and reduce the blurry/haziness you may experience.
- What Is a YAG Laser?
- What Is Posterior Capsular Opacity?
- Conditions Treated with a YAG Laser
- YAG Laser Procedure
- Who Performs YAG Laser Treatment
- YAG Laser Recovery
- YAG Laser Results
What Is a YAG Laser?
A YAG laser (yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser) is a precise medical laser commonly used in eye care to treat a range of conditions. During YAG laser treatment, focused laser energy is used to create a small opening in the eye—either in the iris or the posterior capsule behind an artificial lens. This procedure is often quick, typically painless, and performed in-office. It can help restore proper fluid flow or clear visual pathways, improving vision and reducing eye pressure. Recovery is usually fast, with most patients returning to normal activities shortly after treatment.
What is Posterior Capsular Opacity?
The eye’s natural lens is held in a capsular bag within the eye. During cataract surgery, most patients have the natural lens replaced with an intraocular lens (IOL) to improve their distance vision and reduce reliance on corrective eyewear. Following lens replacement, the capsular bag sometimes produces cloudy cells that result in hazy or blurry vision. This is called posterior capsular opacity, and can be effectively treated with a brief laser treatment.
What Procedures Can Utilize a YAG Laser?
Posterior Capsulotomy
The posterior capsulotomy is a fairly quick outpatient procedure that uses a YAG laser to target energy onto the capsule surrounding the lens implant. The laser makes a very small internal incision that can allow light to pass more easily onto the back of the eye, reducing cloudiness or blurriness. The capsule itself is left largely intact, in order to successfully continue holding the intraocular lens in place.
Angle-Closure Glaucoma
Angle-closure glaucoma is a serious eye condition in which the drainage angle of the eye becomes blocked, causing a sudden rise in intraocular pressure. This blockage prevents fluid from draining properly, leading to symptoms such as eye pain, headaches, blurred vision, nausea, and seeing halos around lights. If left untreated, angle-closure glaucoma can result in permanent vision loss. It often occurs suddenly and is considered a medical emergency. In some cases, a YAG laser peripheral iridotomy may be recommended to create a small opening in the iris, allowing fluid to flow more freely and relieving pressure. This procedure helps reduce the risk of future attacks and protects the optic nerve from damage. Prompt diagnosis of angle-closure glaucoma and treatment are key to preserving vision.
Peripheral Iridotomy
Peripheral iridotomy is a laser procedure commonly used to treat or prevent angle-closure glaucoma. During this treatment, a YAG laser creates a tiny hole in the peripheral part of the iris. This opening allows fluid to flow more freely between the front and back of the eye, helping to equalize pressure and open the eye’s natural drainage angle. It is often a quick procedure, minimally invasive, and performed in an outpatient setting. Peripheral iridotomy can help alleviate pressure buildup and reduce the risk of optic nerve damage. It is often recommended for patients with narrow angles or those who have experienced an angle-closure episode. Most patients experience little to no discomfort and recover quickly.
What Is the Typical Length of the YAG Laser Procedure?
The YAG laser procedure is usually very quick, often lasting only five to ten minutes. The exact time may vary depending on your individual eye health and the complexity of your treatment. During this procedure, our ophthalmologists use precise laser technology to create an opening in the cloudy capsule behind the lens implant, restoring sharper vision. Most patients find the process virtually painless and are able to return to normal daily activities within a day.
Who Will Perform My YAG Laser Procedure?
Dr. Michael Sumsion and Dr. Sean Sumsion perform all laser eye treatment procedures onsite at Riverside EyeCare. Both doctors are board-certified ophthalmologists with extensive experience helping patients regain clear vision through YAG laser capsulotomy. Their expertise ensures each procedure is carried out with precision, safety, and patient comfort in mind. You can feel confident knowing that your care is in the hands of trusted specialists dedicated to achieving excellent results.
How Long Will I Need for Recovery?
Recovery time often depends on the needs of each patient. Most patients are able to resume normal daily routines within one day. Some notice clearer vision almost immediately, while others may experience mild blurriness or light sensitivity for a few hours as the eyes adjust. Our doctors may recommend avoiding strenuous activity or rubbing your eyes for the rest of the day to support proper healing. Follow-up visits are typically scheduled to monitor your progress and ensure your eyes are responding well.
What Results Can I Expect?
After treatment, many patients experience immediate improvement in their vision; however, some may notice gradual improvement over a few days as the eye heals. Colors may appear brighter, and vision often becomes noticeably clearer and sharper. Results are typically long-lasting, though routine eye exams remain important to monitor overall eye health. In rare cases, additional treatment may be needed. For most patients, YAG laser capsulotomy can be highly effective in restoring clearer vision and significantly improving quality of life.
Contact Riverside EyeCare Professionals
For more information on YAG laser treatment, or if you would like to schedule a consultation at our practice, please contact Riverside EyeCare Professionals.