Cataracts are the clouding of the natural lenses in your eyes. Patients who suffer from cataracts often find it difficult to perform everyday activities, as it is almost like looking through a foggy window. When you have cataract surgery, your ophthalmologist removes your old, damaged lens and replaces it with a new lens that is specifically selected for you. Here at Marano Eye Care, our doctors specialize in the blade-less Alcon LenSx Laser procedure to help restore your vision as accurately as possible.
In some patients, their vision may become cloudy again (known as aftercataract). This can happen weeks, months, or even years after cataract surgery. If you are still suffering from blurred vision after your surgery, your eye doctor may recommend a laser surgery called YAG posterior capsulotomy to help correct this problem. Keep reading to learn more about the YAG capsulotomy procedure.
YAG Capsulotomy for Cataracts
The way that posterior capsular opacification (PCO) affects an individual can vary. For some people, the cloudiness can become dense and cause as much or more vision loss as the original cataract. This happens in up to 50% of patients after cataract surgery. The decision to have this surgery is based on the following criteria:
- If the cloudiness is impacting your work or lifestyle,
- If the aftercataract results in a glare caused by bright lights.
- If you cannot pass a vision test for a driver’s license.
- If you are experiencing double vision.
- If the vision between your 2 eyes is significantly different.
- If you are suffering from another vision-threatening eye disease.
What To Expect During the Procedure
YAG capsulotomy is an outpatient procedure. Because the capsule has no nerve endings, only a topical anesthetic (eyedrop) is required. The laser used only affects the tissue that it is focused on, so it is okay if you blink during the procedure.
After the procedure, you can typically resume your daily activities, but your doctor will let you know if there is anything you should avoid. If necessary, you will be given an anti-inflammatory eye drop for 1 week after the surgery. You should not feel any pain following the procedure. Most patients see improvement in their vision in about 24 hours.
YAG Capsulotomy for Cataracts Risk Factors
Like all procedures, there are some risk factors to keep in mind. Some of the most common complications include:
- Short term increased pressure in the eye(s).
- Macular edema, which is when the center of the retina swells. Steroid eye drops can help reduce the swelling.
- Corneal edema, which is when the clear covering of the eye swells. Similar to macular edema, eye drops can help this complication.
- Retinal detachment, which is when the nerve layer at the back of the eye detaches. You may see what looks like a gray curtain or floaters moving across your field of vision.
- Bleeding into the front of the eye.
It is important to consult your eye doctor right away if you experience any of these risk factors after your procedure.
YAG Capsulotomy in Livingston, Denville & Newark, NJ
If you have previously had cataract surgery and are noticing a decrease in your vision, it’s best to speak with one of the experts at Marano Eye Care. The Marano Eye Care team will look into your medical history and perform a complete eye exam to help come up with the best treatment plan for you, which may include the YAG capsulotomy procedure. For more information about our Livingston, Denville, and Newark, NJ offices, please contact us today.
