YAG Laser ยิงเลเซอร์เปิดช่องถุงหุ้มเลนส์ - YAG Laser Posterior Capsulotomy

YAG Laser Posterior Capsulotomy

YAG laser capsulotomy is a treatment for posterior capsule opacification; the ophthalmologist aims the laser to create a small opening in the cloudy posterior lens capsule, allowing light to shine through and restoring vision.

Share

Choose the content to read


YAG Laser Posterior Capsulotomy

The ocular lenses sit behind the iris and pupil. They function to focus light onto the retina, creating a clear vision. In people with cataracts, the lenses become cloudy, leading to blurry vision, double vision, light sensitivity, night vision difficulties, and seeing faded colors. Cataract surgery to extract the diseased lens is the sole remedy for this condition. In the surgery, an artificial intraocular lens replaces the removed cloudy lens, held in place by the lens's natural capsule. Despite artificial lenses not progressing to cataracts, individuals undergoing this surgery may experience a recurrence of blurred vision over time -- due to posterior capsule opacification.

Enveloping a natural eye lens is a delicate membrane called the lens capsule. When an ophthalmologist replaces a cataract lens with an artificial intraocular lens, the new lens is positioned and held in place by the natural lens capsule. The lens capsule may turn cloudy, manifesting symptoms like cataracts.

What is YAG laser capsulotomy?

YAG laser capsulotomy is a treatment for posterior capsule opacification; the ophthalmologist aims the laser to create a small opening in the cloudy posterior lens capsule, allowing light to shine through and restoring vision.

Who needs a YAG laser posterior capsulotomy?

Posterior capsule opacification is a side effect of cataract surgery. Not everyone undergoing cataract surgery develops posterior capsule opacification. Between 20% to 50% of individuals may experience it within 2-5 years after cataract surgery, particularly in children.

What are the symptoms of posterior capsule opacification?

Symptoms of posterior capsule opacification are like those of cataracts. If you experience a recurrence of cataract symptoms, contact your ophthalmologist for a slit-lamp examination. 

Posterior capsulotomy procedure

A YAG laser posterior capsulotomy is an outpatient procedure taking only five minutes. 
Steps of the procedure:

  • Installation of anesthetic eye drops to numb your eye and a second eye drops to dilate your pupil.
  • The ophthalmologist will focus a YAG laser on the posterior lens capsule to make a small opening for light to shine through.
  • After the procedure, when your vision becomes clear again, you can resume regular daily activities, except driving. You should bring along a friend or family member. The ophthalmologist will inform you of activities you should avoid immediately after the surgery.
  • You will receive eye drop medication for use. Visual clarity should occur within 24 hours. If they aggravate, contact your ophthalmologist.

Yag LASER Posterior Capsulotomy 2

Side Effects of Posterior Capsulotomy 

  • Retinal detachment
    Retinal detachment can cause retinal impairment and blurry vision. You may see flashes of light, increased floaters in your eyes, and a gray curtain in the field of your vision. Retinal surgery is required.
  • Ocular hypertension
    The eyeball contains various fluids, such as vitreous and aqueous humor. In a healthy eye, these fluid pressures are stable, reflecting a balance between fluid production and drainage. If the fluids do not drain out properly, it can lead to elevated intraocular pressure and glaucoma. Ocular hypertension treatment involves instilling medicated eye drops. This timely intervention can help prevent glaucoma with optic nerve damage.
  • Glaucoma
    Glaucoma occurs when the increased eye pressure damages the optic nerve responsible for transmitting visual information from the retina to the brain, leading to vision loss. This process is usually gradual. However, acute angle-closure glaucoma can occur attended by symptoms including severe pain in the eyes and the forehead, headache, nausea, vomiting, eye redness, blurry vision, decreased vision, or seeing rainbows or halos of light.

Other complications are swelling in the eye and postoperative dislocated intraocular lens.

What are the aftercare instructions following a YAG capsulotomy?

Your doctor will provide aftercare instructions and may prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection. While you can use your vision right after the treatment, it is advisable to have someone drive you home. Normal vision is usually restored within 24 hours, enabling you to resume your daily routine.

Where is the best place to have a YAG capsulotomy done in Thailand?

MedPark Hospital features a cadre of skilled and seasoned ophthalmologists alongside state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment technologies, capable of managing a spectrum of eye conditions, including myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, corneal diseases, blepharitis, styes, cataracts, retinal diseases, and glaucoma. Whether considering YAG capsulotomy or other interventions, visit the Eye Care Center at MedPark Hospital for precise diagnosis and effective treatment.

Article by

  • Dr Suphawadee Erjongmanee
    Dr Suphawadee Erjongmanee A Ophthalmologist Specializing in Cornea and Refractive Surgery

Published: 31 Mar 2024

Share

Related Doctors

  • Link to doctor
    Prof. Ngamjit Kasetsuwan

    Prof. Ngamjit Kasetsuwan

    • Ophthalmology
    • Cornea
    • Refractive Surgery (LASIK & SMILE pro)
    Cornea and External Eye Disease, Dry Eye and Ocular Surface Disease, Pterygium and Pterygium Excision with Fibrin Glue, Keratoconus, Refractive Surgery, Corneal Transplantation, Corneal Stem Cell Transplantation, Cataract Surgery
  • Link to doctor
    Dr Marisa Taechajongjintana

    Dr Marisa Taechajongjintana

    • Ophthalmology
    • Cornea
    • Refractive Surgery
    Refractive Surgery, Refractive Error
  • Link to doctor
    Dr Thitima Wungcharoen

    Dr Thitima Wungcharoen

    • Ophthalmology
    • Cornea
    • Refractive Surgery (LASIK & SMILE pro)
    • External Eye Diseases
    Dry Eye and Ocular Surface Disease, Cornea and External Eye Disease, Keratoconus, Cataract Surgery, Sutureless Pterygium Surgery with Graft, Refractive Surgery, Corneal Transplantation
  • Link to doctor
    Dr Thanapong Somkijrungroj

    Dr Thanapong Somkijrungroj

    • Ophthalmology
    • Retina and Vitreous
    Cataract Surgery, Retina and Vitreous, Uveitis, Cornea and External Eye Disease
  • Link to doctor
    Dr Suphawadee Erjongmanee

    Dr Suphawadee Erjongmanee

    • Ophthalmology
    • Cornea
    • Refractive Surgery (LASIK & SMILE pro)
    Cornea and External Eye Disease, Dry Eye and Ocular Surface Disease, Refractive Error, Refractive Surgery, Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, Cataract Surgery
  • Link to doctor
    Dr   Nutharin   Phusitphoykai

    Dr Nutharin Phusitphoykai

    • Ophthalmology
    • Cornea
    • Refractive Surgery (LASIK & SMILE pro)
    Ophthalmology, Cornea and External Eye Disease, Refractive Surgery
  • Link to doctor
    Dr Usanee Reinprayoon

    Dr Usanee Reinprayoon

    • Ophthalmology
    • Cornea
    • Refractive Surgery (LASIK & SMILE pro)
    Cornea and External Eye Disease, Pterygium and Pterygium Excision with Fibrin Glue, Keratoconus, Refractive Surgery, Corneal Transplantation, Corneal Stem Cell Transplantation, Cataract Surgery
  • Link to doctor
    Dr Monthira Jermjutitham

    Dr Monthira Jermjutitham

    • Ophthalmology
    • Cornea
    • Refractive Surgery (LASIK & SMILE pro)
    Cornea and External Eye Disease, Refractive Surgery, Ophthalmology, Pterygium, Dry Eye and Corneal Disease, Cataract Surgery, Corneal Transplantation
  • Link to doctor
    Dr Wimonrat Prateepasen

    Dr Wimonrat Prateepasen

    • Ophthalmology
    • Cornea
    • Refractive Surgery (LASIK & SMILE pro)
    Refractive Surgery
  • Link to doctor
    Assoc. Prof. Dr Vannarut Satitpitakul

    Assoc. Prof. Dr Vannarut Satitpitakul

    • Ophthalmology
    • Cornea
    • Refractive Surgery (LASIK & SMILE pro)
    Dry Eye and Corneal Disease, Cataract Surgery, Refractive Surgery, Dry Eye and Ocular Surface Disease, Cataract
  • Link to doctor
    Assoc.Prof.Dr Bharkbhum Khambhiphant

    Assoc.Prof.Dr Bharkbhum Khambhiphant

    • Ophthalmology
    • Refractive Surgery
    Cataract Surgery, Post LASIK Cataract Surgery, Trifocal, Trifocal Torics IOLs, Monofocal Torics IOLs, Contact Lens Fitting, Keratoconus, Low Vision Rehabilitation and Vision Aids Technology