YAG Laser Capsulotomy

YAG Capsulotomy | Kansas City | Cavanaugh Eye Center

The human lens is held suspended in a bag or sac, called the capsule, behind the pupil. During cataract surgery, the cloudy lens is vacuumed out of its capsule and the new clear lens implant is inserted into the bag to hold it in the natural position behind the pupil. Over time as the body heals, patients may develop clouding of the capsular bag membranes in which the lens was inserted. This is called posterior capsular opacification and may occur months to years after the original cataract surgery. The usual symptoms are diminished visual acuity or a resurgence of glare symptoms.

Posterior capsular opacification is easily remedied with a brief, painless laser treatment called a YAG capsulotomy. This procedure is performed in the laser room at the Surgery Center with numbing drops and takes about five minutes. Since there is neither sedation nor incisions, patients can return to full vocational and recreational activities immediately. Vision return is rapid and the capsule does not ever become cloudy again. The procedure is among the safest and most consistently effective in all of ophthalmology with complications occurring in less than 0.5% of patients.

Similar to cataract surgery, YAG laser capsulotomy can be co-managed with your primary eye care provider, helping you keep your care close to home.