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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?

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 Can I Expect from YAG Laser Treatment?

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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.