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YAG
Capsulotomy |
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What is a capsulotomy?
A capsulotomy is a painless laser procedure that
helps correct cloudy vision which may occur months
to years after cataract extraction. During cataract
surgery, the clouded natural lens is removed and
replaced with a clear lens implant. The implant
is placed within the same thin membrane, or capsule,
that originally held the cataract in place. Sometimes
after cataract surgery, the capsule can become
hazy and cloudy, resulting in blurred vision,
glare from light, or other problematic visual
symptoms.
How is it performed?
Before the procedure, a technician will instill
some eye drops to dilate your pupil and then you
will be seated at the YAG laser (pictured above).
Once your eye has dilated, your ophthalmologist
will use the laser to create a small opening in
the capsule which will allow light to focus clearly
on the retina again. The procedure itself takes
only two or three minutes. Your eye pressure will
need to be measured one hour after the laser treatment
before you will be allowed to return home. Although
the results are almost immediate, we highly recommend
that you have someone drive you home as your vision
may be slightly blurred from the eye drops used.
What are the risks?
Although serious complications are very rare,
it is still a medical procedure and does include
some risks. Your eye pressure will need to be
monitored following the procedure and you may
be given some medications for a short while to
help maintain a healthy eye pressure. There is
also a small risk for retinal detachment, so it
is very important to attend your follow-up visits
after a YAG laser procedure. You will need to
return to your eye care professional one week
later for a brief exam and for a dilated exam
one month following your treatment.

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