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Posterior Capsular Opacification & YAG laser capsulotomy

What is YAG Laser Treatment?

Complications after cataract surgery are unusual, but one of the most common is posterior capsular opacification or (PCO). Patients usually complain of cloudy or blurry vision.

Sometimes PCO is referred to as a "secondary cataract," however, it is not really a cataract. Once a cataract is removed, it does not come back. About 20 % of patients with uncomplicated cataract surgery develop haziness of the posterior capsule and therefore blurry vision.

YAG laser treatment can treat posterior capsular opacity safely and effectively. This procedure known as YAG laser capsulotomy takes only a few minutes and is painless.

YAG laser capsulotomy is a treatment which makes a small hole in the membrane behind the intraocular lens (IOL) in the eye. You will have a dilating drop instilled into the eye. Then using a specialised microscope  adapted with a laser Mr. Golchin will focus a YAG laser on the cloudy membrane and with every pulse an opening is made in the posterior capsule.

Following YAG laser capsulotomy, you may resume normal activities immediately. You may experience some floaters afterwards. These will most likely resolve within a few weeks. Most people can expect their vision to improve within a day. As with any eye procedure, however, call your eye doctor immediately if vision worsens or fails to improve. Overall, YAG laser capsulotomy is a very safe procedure.

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Meet the Surgeon

Mr. Behrooz Golchin
MB, Bch, BAO, FRCOpth


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