YAG Laser Surgery

   


Secondary Cataract

During cataract surgery, the posterior, or back part of the lens capsule is left intact. The lens capsule is the clear bag that holds the natural lens. Once the cataract has been removed, the lens capsule is left in place to help support the intraocular lens implant (IOL). It is common for people, after cataract surgery, to experience blurred vision and the sense that the cataract has recurred. This is referred to as a secondary cataract and is the result of a thin film of scar tissue forming behind the new lens implant, on the posterior capsule. Secondary cataracts occur in up to 75 percent of patients after cataract surgery and can occur months or even years after the cataract procedure.

Yag Capsulotomy Laser

A reliable laser treatment, called a YAG capsulotomy, is performed to treat the posterior capsule, allowing light to more effectively reach the retina. The YAG laser (named for its components of yttrium, aluminum, and garnet) creates an opening in the central part of the posterior capsule, allowing light to pass through, resulting in immediate visual improvements. The procedure is quick and painless, usually performed at the office while the patient sits at the instrument.