What are yag laser capsulotomy risks and side effects?

Mr. Tariq Ayoub lists some of the most common YAG laser capsulotomy risks and side effects, including seeing floaters (which settles down), prescription change, and rarely, retinal detachment or a rise in pressure. Find out more information about YAG capsulotomy from Mr Tariq Ayoub or book a consultation to see him at his central London clinics.

What is yag capsulotomy?

What is Nd YAG laser capsulotomy? Tariq Ayoub defines YAG capsulotomy as a laser procedure to treat PCO, clearing the thickening behind the implanted lenses. Find out more information about YAG capsulotomy from Mr Tariq Ayoub or book a consultation to see him at his central London clinics.

Will I be in pain after yag laser capsulotomy?

Tariq Ayoub explains that there is no pain during or after YAG laser capsulotomy. Find out more information about YAG capsulotomy from Mr Tariq Ayoub or book a consultation to see him at his central London clinics.

How long is yag laser capsulotomy recovery?

Mr. Tariq Ayoub explains that YAG laser capsulotomy recovery is usually immediate, but your eyes will be blurry until the dilation wears off. Your vision will return to normal 6-8 hours after the procedure. Find out more information about YAG capsulotomy from Mr Tariq Ayoub or book a consultation to see him at his central London clinics.

YAG laser capsulotomy

YAG laser capsulotomy starting from only £500

Book An Appointment

What is YAG laser capsulotomy?

This treatment for PCO uses a low-energy laser. The name YAG comes from Nd:YAG, which means neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet. It refers to the type of crystal used to generate the laser beam.

The main benefit of this technology is that its light energy passes through the cornea at the front of the eye without cutting it. This eliminates the risk of infection after the procedure. When focused on the lens capsule, the YAG laser can make very delicate cuts. The treatment opens up a small gap in the lens capsule, enabling light to pass through once more.

Nd:YAG lasers are safe and have been used in ophthalmology for decades. They are also used widely in cancer treatment, hair removal, cosmetic surgery, and manufacturing.

Why do I need YAG laser capsulotomy?

YAG laser capsulotomy is the recommended treatment for posterior capsule opacification (PCO).

PCO is a condition that can develop as a complication of cataract surgery. It happens when a cloudy membrane, resembling scar tissue, forms in the eye’s natural lens capsule.

Up to about one in five patients may develop PCO in the weeks, months or even years after their cataract operation. The artificial lens implant remains clear. But light cannot reach the retina very well if the supporting capsule has thickened and become opaque.

Over time, PCO can get worse. It presents symptoms much like the original cataract, though its cause is different.

The good news is that we can easily treat the condition in our clinic with Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy. It is a painless, low risk and quick procedure that normally takes a few minutes to complete.

If you have PCO in both eyes, you can have them treated at the same time, so there is no need to schedule a second procedure at a later date.

Procedure

Before surgery, we will provide a comprehensive eye exam during your initial appointment to assess your condition. We will gladly answer any questions you may have about PCO diagnosis and treatment.

On the day of the procedure, We will check your vision and intraocular pressure (a measure of the fluid pressure in your eye).

We then add eye drops to dilate your pupil and ensure there are no problems at the back of your eye. The drops take about 30 minutes to take effect.

For some patients, we may need to use contact lenses to keep the eye in the right position. We provide anaesthetising eye drops to reduce discomfort while this happens.

You must sit and place your head on a headrest by the Nd:YAG laser machine. The procedure is painless. You will just need to keep your head and eye completely still when the ophthalmologist operates the machine.

The laser cuts a small circular section out from the back of the affected lens capsule. We ensure enough of the capsule remains to support your intraocular lens implant.

You won’t be able to see the laser light but there is a bright light used to assist focusing. The laser procedure only takes about five to ten minutes.

Side effects and risks

A YAG capsulotomy for PCO is generally considered to be very low risk, and serious complications are extremely rare.

You may feel a slight soreness if, during treatment, we stabilised your eye with a contact lens. This should pass quickly.

A small amount of ‘floaters’ (clumps of cells in the fluid inside the eye) after the treatment is normal and harmless. These usually disappear gradually.

Some people may experience a brief increase in intraocular (eye fluid) pressure after laser treatment for PCO. Pre-existing conditions such as glaucoma can make this problem worse, as the eye pressure is already elevated.

If this applies to you, the ophthalmologist will check your eye pressure shortly after laser treatment. If it has risen, we will normally prescribe medication to lower it.

In rare cases (fewer than one in 100 patients), laser treatment for PCO can lead to a detached retina. However, it may not occur until some weeks or months after the procedure. Very short-sighted patients are more likely to experience this problem. The symptoms of a detached retina include:

A very noticeable and sudden increase in floaters
You see flashing light effects
What looks like a moving shadow or ‘dark curtain’ affects your vision.

Ophthalmologists can fix retinal detachment with surgery, but this should happen as soon as possible.

Recovery

Nearly everyone with PCO who undergoes a YAG laser posterior capsulotomy experiences an excellent and permanent improvement in their vision.

The drops that dilate your pupils can take a few hours to wear off, leading to blurred eyesight for a little while after treatment. So, please do not drive yourself home after the procedure.

As there are no cuts to the surface of the eye or stitches used, you can usually resume your normal activities almost right away.

If you have not developed any other problems in your eye after your original cataract surgery, your vision should return to normal very soon. If you used glasses before the PCO developed, you will need to wear them again.

Contact us without delay if you think that your sight has become worse or if you experience redness or severe pain in your eye.

Book an appointment

We understand that waiting for treatment can be frustrating, so we’re here to help.

At Oculase, we offer YAG laser capsulotomy for posterior capsule opacification.

Talk to our friendly team to book a personalised consultation with our expert consultant ophthalmologist, Mr Tariq Ayoub.

Contact us

Frequently asked questions

YAG laser capsulotomy is generally a very safe procedure. However, there are some risks and side-effects which includes an increase in floaters, raised intraocular pressure, inflammation, haloes/glare, lens damage, retinal tear/detachment. Your glasses prescription may also change after the laser treatment.

The laser treatment is generally pain free as anaesthesia in the form of drops is used to numb the eye.

Yes you can have both eyes treated on the same day.

Generally most people are ready to return to work/general day-to-day activities the day after the laser treatment.

Driving can be resumed when the legal standard is met, typically the day after the treatment. Mr. Ayoub will discuss your personal circumstances with you during your consultation.

Book Consultation

Please complete the form or call us on the number below:

0330 128 1616

Our clinic sites are regulated by The Care Quality Commission (CQC)

The treatment I received was YAG Capsulotomy in both eyes. The care I received from Mr Ayoub and his team was outstanding and I will forever be grateful for Mr Ayoub and his team for restoring my sight. Before I went into the surgery I was unable to see much of the outside world but when I came out everything was bright. It was an amazing experience. I would recommend this clinic to anyone with eye problems.