Laser after Cataract Operation

Question: I had cataract surgery one year ago in May. My cataract surgeon told me on my last visit that the lens in one eye is cloudy. He said this happens and he would zap it with a laser. I can just notice a slight difference in my vision compared to right after surgery. Should I wait until it gets worse?

I only have good eyesight in the one eye. Can things go wrong with this procedure?

Answer: It sounds like you are describing the condition known as posterior capsule opacification or PCO. The crystalline lens of the eye is where a cataract forms. The crystalline lens has a soft protein center and is surrounded by a “capsule”. A cataract forms because the protein becomes cloudy. During cataract surgery microscopic instruments are used to break up and remove the cloudy material as this is what blurs your vision. However, the “capsule” is left in place and is where the surgeon places the intraocular lens implant (IOL). In some patients the capsule become “opacified” sometime after surgery leaving the patient’s vision cloudy and often with glare sensitivity, much like the symptoms they had from the cataract. Fortunately, using a YAG Laser it is possible to quickly, safely and effectively create an opening in the capsule along the visual axis that restores the vision almost instantly. This procedure called a “YAG Capsulotomy” takes only a few minutes using simple eye drop anesthesia without discomfort.

Generally speaking, the decision to perform a YAG Capsulotomy is prompted by patient symptoms, however this is not always the case as the surgeon may wish to do the laser procedure for other reasons. YAG Laser Capsulotomy is performed external to the eye through the pupil and although it is a surgical procedure it is not invasive, greatly reducing any risk. Still it is surgery and there is always a small risk of complications. That said, the risks and complications of YAG Capsulotomy are extremely rare and your surgeon would likely not suggest it if the risk to benefit ratio was not well in your favor.

Important Note: The information presented on the About Cataract Surgery Blog or provided in response to a request for information in the Ask Cataract Surgeons section on www.aboutcataractsurgery.com is not intended to diagnose or treat eye problems, eye conditions or eye diseases including appropriateness of treatment, risks, complications or side effects as related to Cataracts, Cataract Surgery of Lens Implants. In particular a response to an inquiry made on the Ask Cataract Surgeons section of www.aboutcataractsurgery.com is not meant to take the place of the professional medical care provided by your eye doctor, ophthalmologist and Cataract Surgeon. Contacting us via e-mail or any other means is not a substitute for medical care.

“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.

Important Note: The information presented on the About Cataract Surgery Blog or provided in response to a request for information in the Ask Cataract Surgeons section on www.aboutcataractsurgery.com is not intended to diagnose or treat eye problems, eye conditions or eye diseases including appropriateness of treatment, risks, complications or side effects as related to Cataracts, Cataract Surgery of Lens Implants. In particular a response to an inquiry made on the Ask Cataract Surgeons section of www.aboutcataractsurgery.com is not meant to take the place of the professional medical care provided by your eye doctor, ophthalmologist and Cataract Surgeon. Contacting us via e-mail or any other means is not a substitute for medical care.