YAG Laser Capsulotomy

When cataract surgery is performed, your natural lens is removed and a new lens is placed back into the “bag” or capsule from which your natural lens was removed from. Sometimes, months or years after cataract surgery, the capsule can thicken resulting in a reduction or scattering of light reaching the back of the eye and causing symptoms such are blurred or misty vision, glare and sometimes “ghosting” of the visual image.

YAG capsulotomy is a laser treatment, whereby laser is applied using a special lens to create a small hole in the centre of the capsule and thereby allow light to reach the back of the eye and restore your vision.

The principle benefit is to remove the area of thickened capsule to restore your vision.

 Complications after this laser include:

• Floaters: Floaters are a visual sensation that small dark spots are “floating’ in your field of vision and tend to occur early after the laser. However, the floaters do not harm your eye and tend to settle over a few weeks.
• Macula oedema: is a build-up of fluid in the region of the back of your eye responsible for central vision known as the macula.  This is a rare complication and if it occurs, can be treated with eye drops.
• Retinal detachment: This is a very rare complication and can result in a reduction in vision which will require surgery to correct.