YAG Laser Capsulotomy

The lens of the eye is positioned in an elastic-like capsular bag, which holds it in place and serves as a protective barrier. During cataract surgery, the front portion of the capsule is opened so the lens can be removed and replaced with an intraocular lens.

In some instances, a person may experience blurred, hazy vision, a common condition known as posterior capsular haze (sometimes referred to as “secondary cataract”). An estimated 40% of patients who have cataract surgery will experience posterior capsular haze. It can occur months or even years after the surgery. The YAG Laser is sometimes used by doctors to treat this condition. This treatment is called YAG Laser Capsulotomy.

YAG Laser Capsulotomy is an outpatient procedure, which only takes a few minutes and is entirely painless. After the eyes have been dilated, your eye doctor will use the YAG Laser to create an opening in the center of the cloudy capsule. The majority of patients will notice an instant improvement in vision, while others will experience a gradual improvement over a period of days. Following the procedure, your vital signs and intraocular pressure will be reviewed. You can return to normal activities immediately.