What is YAG Laser Treatment?: Why You May Need It After Cataract Surgery

Posted by Dr. Matthew Clary on August 26th, 2021

When you undergo cataract surgery in Columbia, SC, the surgeon makes a circular opening in the capsule of the lens and removes the inner nucleus. They then inject the artificial lens into the remaining capsular envelope, which shrinks over time and wraps itself around the lens.

Sometimes, however, the capsule can develop a new layer that forms a “frosting” on the back of the lens and causes continued blurred vision. This frosting, known as posterior capsular opacification, occurs in up to 10% of patients who receive cataract and can be fixed with YAG laser treatment.

What is YAG Laser Treatment?

An ophthalmologist at The Eye Center in Columbia, SC, can use a YAG laser to clear this frosting from the back surface of the new artificial lens if the problem presents itself in the weeks or months following your cataract surgery. In this painless procedure that only takes a few minutes to complete, the ophthalmologist will first dilate the patient’s pupil in order to allow for a good view of the surface of the lens.

The eye surgeon may or may not use a magnifying contact lens during the procedure, which helps them better aim the YAG laser at the frosted surface. All the patient will notice are small flashes of light and a clicking sound during the procedure. Once the procedure is complete, most patients will notice a clear improvement in their vision within just one day.

After YAG Laser Treatment

After you receive YAG laser treatment at The Eye Center in Columbia once, the capsule will not regrow. You will not need to undergo the procedure more than one time, and complications are very rare. However, they may include:

• Vitreous floaters
• Retinal swelling
• Increased eye pressure
• Lens damage
• In very rare cases, retinal detachment

Do I Need YAG Laser Treatment?

If you have received cataract surgery in Columbia, SC, but are still experiencing blurred or otherwise unclear vision, this frosting may have developed on the back of your artificial lens. Thankfully, YAG laser treatment can take care of the problem! To learn more about YAG laser treatment or to schedule a consultation, contact The Eye Center today.

About Author:

The Eye Center is the leading refractive practice in South Carolina, providing full service eye care and specializing in Refractive Surgery – Lasik, AST, PRK, PRELEX, as well as Corneal Transplant and Cataract Surgery.