What is YAG Capsulotomy?

This procedure is designed to address the cloudiness that can sometimes affect a patient's vision following cataract or lens replacement surgery. It is a non-invasive approach that aims to eliminate this visual problem.

When the natural lens in your eyes becomes cloudy, it is known as a cataract. During cataract surgery, the surgeon will remove the cataract from your eye and replace it with an artificial lens implant. The surgeon will carefully position the new lens behind the iris, in the same capsule where the natural crystalline lens is located. Retaining the capsule during cataract or lens replacement surgery promotes greater stability in vision after the procedure and reduces the likelihood of surgical complications.

However, on occasion, certain cells from the lens may regenerate and create a layer within the capsule. These factors can lead to the thickening or wrinkling of the capsule, resulting in vision that is not as clear, increased sensitivity to light, or seeing two images instead of one. A YAG capsulotomy procedure can effectively address this issue using laser technology.

There are other options available instead of YAG capsulotomy that can potentially enhance your vision. However, it's important to note that if the thickening is severe, relying solely on glasses may not be effective. Based on your situation, YAG capsulotomy is the most suitable choice to improve your vision. Although leaving the capsule untreated does not immediately endanger your vision, it can progressively deteriorate until it is extremely blurry. YAG capsulotomy aims to restore your vision to its previous level following your initial lens surgery.

POTENTIAL RISKS

There is some risk associated with YAG capsulotomy, just like with any surgery. At Eagle Opticals, we perform a wide range of procedures, and our primary goal is to provide each patient with the best possible outcome. However, it's important to note that perfect results cannot be guaranteed in every case. It is crucial to carefully review all the information provided to ensure that you have a complete understanding of the possible results and can make a well-informed choice regarding your vision correction procedure.

At Eagle Opticals, our clinicians have extensive experience and are fully qualified to handle any rare complications that may arise, ensuring that our patients achieve the best possible outcome. There is a wide range of potential complications that can occur after YAG capsulotomy, although it is important to note that most patients do not experience any complications.

It is uncommon to experience significant issues after undergoing YAG capsulotomy. However, like any laser procedure, there is a possibility of complications, either during the treatment or afterward.

If you have another condition such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetes, or glaucoma, the quality of your vision may be limited. A YAG laser capsulotomy cannot improve your vision beyond its initial state after your initial lens surgery.

Indentations may occur on the lens. Typically, this is quite mild and often called 'pitting'. If the pitting was noticeable and located near the centre of the lens, it could potentially impact your vision.

Floaters are a typical occurrence after undergoing YAG laser capsulotomy. Typically, they tend to fade away within a few days, although occasionally a few of the floaters may persist for a longer duration.

In certain cases, a YAG laser capsulotomy may result in swelling in the central part of the retina, known as the macula. The swelling you're experiencing is known as cystoid macular edoema, or CMO for short. This can impact the enhancement of vision achieved through the treatment, although in the majority of instances, it is a temporary condition that can be addressed with the use of eye drops or tablets, or both. Occasionally, this condition may have a lasting impact on your eyesight. If this is the situation, further tests and treatment may be necessary. There may be an extra charge for this.

There is a slightly higher risk of experiencing a retinal detachment after undergoing this treatment. Nevertheless, the likelihood of complications for the majority of individuals remains minimal, and as a result, it is generally not deemed a deterrent to proceed with the procedure. There is a slight possibility that certain implant designs could potentially cause the implant to shift and impact your vision after undergoing YAG laser capsulotomy. However, it is highly unlikely to occur with the more commonly used implant styles.

Even in certain lighting conditions or when dealing with small print or close-up tasks, you may still find it necessary to rely on glasses or contact lenses for near vision and reading. It is not uncommon to experience night vision disturbances, such as glare and halos, as well as double vision or seeing ghost-like images around objects immediately following a YAG laser capsulotomy.

Typically, these symptoms will gradually fade away over a span of weeks or months after the treatment. In some instances, night-vision issues may persist for extended durations or potentially become permanent. Patients with a high prescription prior to treatment may experience a greater risk of night-vision disturbance.

PREPARING FOR YOUR PROCEDURE DAY

Informed Consent Document

Please refrain from signing the document, as its completion is required in the presence of your clinician.

Payment

You are required to guarantee that you have fully paid for your surgery or executed a valid financing agreement prior to the scheduled date of the procedure. You will not be granted treatment in the event that there remains an unpaid balance.

User of Contact Lenses 

On the day of your procedure, your optometrist will have instructed you not to wear your contact lenses. You must ensure that you have complied with their instructions.

Ocular Prescription Drops 

At a previous consultation, your optometrist or surgeon may have prescribed eye drops, lubricants, or ointments; therefore, it is imperative that you adhere to their instructions.

General

• Please allow yourself enough travel time to arrive at the clinic on time.

• You can expect to be with us for about 1 hour.

• You will be unable to drive after your surgery and should make alternative travel arrangements. We would advise that you bring a friend or family member with you.

• You should continue to take any medication unrelated to your corrective eye surgery as normal. Please, feel free to contact the surgery support tram should you have any questions regarding your medication.

PROCEDURE DAY

Before the procedure

On the day of your procedure, you will meet with a knowledgeable clinical team member who will address any inquiries you may have, administer necessary eye drops, and perform additional clinical tests before your YAG capsulotomy procedure. These tests will include a vision assessment and a measurement of the pressure in your eyes. Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to meet with your treating clinician. Feel free to ask any additional questions you may have. They will go over the procedure once more and ask you to sign the consent form.

Evaluating Your Suitability 

Please note that there is a possibility of the surgery being cancelled or rescheduled at short notice or on the day of the procedure due to unforeseen circumstances. Your treating clinician may choose not to proceed if they discover any contraindications to the procedure. These last-minute decisions, although they may be inconvenient and cause some stress, are made with the intention of minimising unnecessary risks and prioritising your well-being.

The Procedure for Treatment 

On the day of your procedure, you will meet with an experienced optometrist who will answer any questions you may have, insert some eye drops and may re-check some clinical measurements. The surgery may be cancelled or postponed at short notice or on the day of surgery due to unforeseen circumstances. Your surgeon may decide not to proceed id he/she becomes aware of any contradiction to surgery. These short notice decisions, while inconvenient and perhaps stressful, are made to reduce unnecessary risk and are made with your best interests in mind.

After your treatment 

After the procedure, you will be taken to the post-treatment area where you can relax and recover. It is recommended to wear non-prescription sunglasses after your procedure when you are outside for at least the first 24 hours. This will help reduce glare as you recover from the procedure.

What to anticipate following your Normal Lens Replacement procedure During the first 24 hours, you may experience a sensation of grittiness or irritation in your eye.

• Your vision, although usually enhanced, might still be slightly hazy.

• It is possible to experience sensitivity to light and notice the presence of glare, halos, shadows, or ghosting around lights during nighttime.

• Floaters may be experienced. These symptoms are all expected and will gradually improve.

By the following day, you should experience increased comfort in your eyes and improved clarity in your vision.

Your clinician may prescribe alternative forms of eye drops that are relevant to your clinical care.

Do not use tap water near your eyes.

Medications for Patients After Surgery 

You should start using these drops 4 hours after you leave the clinic. It is important to ensure that your hands are clean before applying the drops. Avoid touching the tip of the bottle or the inside of the bottle lid with your finger or eye.

A simple technique for applying drops involves gently pulling down the lower lid with a clean finger and carefully placing the drops into the area between the lid and the eyeball. By following this technique, you can prevent any unnecessary strain on the upper eyelid.