Cataract Information, Cataract Surgery, YAG
YAG Laser Capsulotomy – By Bruce Kiskaddon, MD |
“My vision is cloudy again after my cataract surgery,” is a common concern in the months and years after the second eye is completed. During cataract surgery, the clouded lens of the eye is removed and an artificial intraocular lens is implanted in the eye. Following this surgery, cells can begin to re-grow and thicken on the back wall of the capsular bag (the part of the eye that holds the lens). This natural regrowth of cells is completely normal, but it can cause vision to become cloudy again. The technical term is Posterior Capsular Opacification or PCO. At this point, some people become concerned that their cataracts have returned – but this is not the case.
SYMPTOMS OF POSTERIOR CAPSULAR OPACIFICATION (PCO)
How do you know if you may be in need of a YAG laser procedure? Here are some common symptoms:
- Blurred Vision (Gradual – over months/years)
- Gradual “Fog” or “Film”
- Glare at night with car lights and streetlights
- Halos around lights at night
- Difficulty reading road signs while driving
- Struggling to focus when reading
YAG LASER CAPSULOTOMY – THE REMEDY TO POSTERIOR CAPSULAR OPACIFICATION
The YAG laser procedure is very simple, pain-free and straightforward. It is done in the doctor’s office with no sedation and usually takes between 3 and 5 minutes (time in the clinic is about 2 hours including check-in, preparation, and post procedure check).
The patient is seated in a chair while the doctor uses a special YAG lens and an FDA-approved laser to complete the make a new opening in the cloudy cells.
POST-YAG LASER CAPSULOTOMY
Most patients notice improved vision within 1-2 days. Normal activities can be resumed very soon after the procedure. Sometimes the doctor will prescribe eye drops as part of this treatment. In addition, patients may find that they need a prescription change for their glasses. The doctor will want to see you for a follow-up visit to check on vision and general eye health in the months following the YAG Laser Capsulotomy.
DR. KISKADDON – YAG LASER EXPERT
Bruce Kiskaddon, MD has been a valued member of the St. Luke’s surgical staff since 1980. At the time of this post, he has performed over 6,300 YAG procedures and counting. Dr. Kiskaddon also performs selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) procedures to stabilize and improve eye pressure in glaucoma patients. Dr. Kiskaddon is now accepting new patients.
