YAG Capsulotomy

After cataract surgery some patients will develop a haze on the membrane behind the intraocular lens implant which may result in diminished vision. This is called a Posterior Capsular Opacity (PCO).

The treatment for this is a YAG Laser Capsulotomy. A laser is used to create an opening in the hazy capsule to clear the vision.

This procedure is performed at VICTORIA EYE. Your eye surgeon will use eye drops to numb your eye and drops to make the pupil large.

A special contact lens is put on your eye to help direct the laser’s high-energy beam of light at the capsule behind the implant lens in your eye.

The laser makes an opening in the capsule. You will see a few brief flashes of light and feel little, if any, discomfort.

The procedure usually takes less than 5 minutes. You will be able to go home soon after it is done. Since your eyes will be dilated you will not be able to drive for several hours.

It is very common afterwards to see many new floaters but these will dissipate after several days.

YAG Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (PI)

A YAG Laser peripheral iridotomy is a preventative laser procedure for patients at risk of angle-closure glaucoma. In angle-closure glaucoma, the drainage angle in the eye becomes blocked causing an increase in eye pressure which can lead to a loss of vision. Using a laser a tiny hole is made through the iris (coloured part of the eye) to create a new pathway for the eye fluid to drain, thereby preventing the eye pressure from rising.
The YAG Laser peripheral iridotomy can be performed in a 1.5-2 hour visit, although the procedure itself only takes 5-10 minutes.

Risks

Complications following laser PI are uncommon. Risks include inflammation of the eye, cataract formation, loss of vision, elevated pressure, bleeding, scar formation between the iris and the lens of the eye that prevents the pupil from moving correctly, glare, double vision, retinal detachment . There is very small chance the iridotomy may close, which may require the procedure to be repeated.

Before Your Procedure

  • STOP all non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications 7 days prior to your PI (these include Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin, and Celebrex). Tylenol does not thin the blood and is acceptable.
  • STOP blood thinners, such as Warfarin (Coumadin), or Plavix (Clopidogrel) 4 days prior with family physician’s approval.
  • DO NOT consume caffeine the morning of the procedure.

When you arrive, you will receive drops to constrict your pupil, which may result in a mild headache or nausea. Please take a Tylenol prior to your arrival.

After Your Procedure

You will be asked to stay for 30 minutes and then we will check  your intraocular pressure.

If your intraocular pressure is elevated, you will be given pills or drops and asked to stay for another hour. You may not drive on the day of the procedure, please arrange to have someone take you home.

You will be given a prescription for drops to use after the procedure to help the eye heal correctly. Please continue your other glaucoma medications unless otherwise instructed.

Please plan to have a quiet day after your procedure. Do not use the computer, read, or watch television in excess that day.

Micropulse Laser Trabeculoplasty (MLT)

Micropulse Laser Trabeculoplasty is a laser procedure used to lower the intraocular pressure in patients with open angle glaucoma. A focused laser is used to selectively target pigment cells of the drainage angle, making it easier for fluid to flow out of the eye. This procedure may eliminate or reduce glaucoma drop dependency.

Risks
Complications following the Micropulse Laser Trabeculoplasty are rare. Risks include temporary increase in intraocular pressure, inflammation of the iris, temporary clouding of cornea, pain, headaches and blurry or decrease in vision.

Before Your Procedure
Continue all medications as usual. Do not consume caffeine the morning of the procedure. You can expect to be in the office for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.

After Your Procedure
If necessary, you may be asked to stay for 30 to 60 minutes to monitor your intraocular pressure.
If your intraocular pressure is elevated you will be given pills or drops and asked to stay for another hour.

You may not drive on the day of the procedure, please arrange to have someone take you home.

Please plan to have a quiet day after your procedure. Do not use the computer, read, or watch television in excess that day.

Find out more

Simply contact us and we will get back to you within 1-2 business days.