YAG Laser Capsulotomy
A common complication of cataract surgery is posterior capsule opacity (PCO). Sometimes incorrectly referred to as a secondary cataract, this is actually not a cataract but a hazing of the lens capsule (the clear membrane that surrounds your natural lens). PCO occurs when cells grow on the posterior part of the lens capsule. This can lead to vision loss in parts of your field of vision. The good news is that PCO can be easily and painlessly corrected in our office using the YAG laser capsulotomy procedure.
After dilating your eyes, our doctors use laser energy to permanently remove/vaporize the affected part of the lens capsule. Only one short laser treatment is necessary to restore clear vision. We may recommend anti-inflammatory eye drops to aid in the healing process. Most patients can resume normal activities immediately.
Watch the video below to learn more.
YAG Laser Peripheral Iridotomy
For closed-angle glaucoma, YAG laser peripheral iridotomy (YAG PI) is used for both prevention and management of glaucoma. The eye anatomy of patients with closed-angle glaucoma is such that the angle between where the cornea and the iris meet is closed, preventing fluid from escaping from the eye. This causes a gradual or sudden rise in eye pressure.
Our doctors can identify closed-angle glaucoma in early or late stages and perform YAG PI to create a hole in the outer edge of the iris with a laser to widen the opening. This allows the trabecular meshwork in the area to allow fluid to flow properly, thus reducing eye pressure. While this procedure won’t improve your vision, it may prevent glaucoma from occurring or progressing further. You may experience temporary blurry vision and light sensitivity after the procedure. We may recommend anti-inflammatory eye drops to aid in the healing process.
YAG Laser Vitreolysis (Laser Floater Removal)
Eye floaters are tiny spots or lines that move around your field of vision. Floaters are actually parts of vitreous gel particles within the eye. While they aren’t typically harmful, they can be very annoying. One method to treat eye floaters is with YAG laser vitreolysis. During this short, pain-free procedure, our doctors use laser energy to vaporize the floaters to minimize or eliminate the vision disturbance. You may experience temporary dark spots in your vision – these are not leftover floaters but small gas bubbles that will go away. Most patients can resume normal activities immediately. We may recommend anti-inflammatory eye drops to aid in the healing process.
Note: if you have a significant amount of eye floaters with flashes of light, contact us immediately. This could signify a detached retina.
Watch the video to learn more.
