YAG laser after cataract surgery
YAG laser capsulotomy · posterior capsule opacification · secondary cataract · laser after cataract surgery
Some time after cataract surgery, a cloudy film can form behind the artificial lens. The laser opens a small window in it, and vision becomes clear again.
When vision becomes cloudy again after cataract surgery. This happens because of the film behind the lens.
⏱ Duration: the procedure itself usually takes 5 to 10 minutes; vision often improves the same day or the next
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Getting there. The pupil is usually widened, so you cannot drive afterward.
- Medicines. Do not stop your regular drops or medicines on your own. Ask your doctor.
What to bring
- Your ID
- Sunglasses
- Someone to take you home
How it goes
- The pupil is widened and the eye numbed with drops
- You sit at the machine and rest your chin on a stand
- Sometimes a lens is placed on your eye
- The doctor gives a series of short laser pulses
- You hear clicks and see flashes
- Afterward, your eye pressure is checked
What you'll feel
- Usually no pain
- Clicks and flashes of light
- Afterward, floaters in your vision. They usually lessen in a few days
Afterwards
- Vision may be blurry for a few hours from the drops
- Use eye drops afterward as your doctor prescribes
- Come for a checkup when your doctor says
Contact a doctor straight away if
- Severe eye pain, nausea, or rainbow rings around lights: see an eye doctor urgently
- Sudden flashes, many new floaters, or a curtain over the eye: see an eye doctor urgently
Common questions
Has my cataract come back?
No. The film behind the artificial lens has gone cloudy. The laser clears it.
Will it need to be repeated?
Usually not. The film rarely comes back.