“After Cataract” and YAG Laser Procedure

Question: I have already had cataracts removed from both the eyes. Now I have blurry vision in my right eye. The ophthalmologist says that I have cataract and needs to have a laser treatment to clear my vision. What does this mean? Is there another form of cataract that is corrected by the laser treatment?

Answer: A Cataract is a clouding of the crystalline lens of the eye. The crystalline lens has a soft protein center and is surrounded by a “capsule”. A Cataract forms because the protein becomes cloudy. During a Cataract operation the cloudy material is removed and generally the “capsule” is left in place and is used to support the intraocular lens implant (IOL) that corrects your vision. Sometimes, the capsule can become cloudy and cause symptoms much like those of a Cataract including blurry vision, glare and even dimming of colors and detail. This phenomenon is called “posterior capsular opacification” and is sometimes referred to as a “secondary cataract” or “after cataract” and occurs in as many as 30% of Cataract procedures. To resolve posterior capsular opacification and clear the vision, Cataract Surgeons use a procedure called YAG Laser Capsulotomy or “YAG”. Using the YAG Laser your Cataract Surgeon can create a precise opening in the capsule along the visual axis that returns the vision almost immediately. The YAG Capsulotomy is a quick, painless procedure performed with eye drop anesthesia and for the vast majority of patients provides excellent results.

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