YAG Laser

YAG Laser in Ophthalmology: Rapid Solution for Posterior Capsule Opacity (PCO) and Capsulophimosis

The YAG laser is a noninvasive, painless, and effective treatment for two common complications after cataract surgery:

Posterior Capsule Opacity (PCO) (also called "secondary cataract").

Capsulophimosis (excessive contraction of the lens capsule).

Both conditions can cause blurred vision, but the YAG laser resolves them in minutes, without the need for surgery.

What is the YAG Laser and How Does It Work?

Laser type: YAG (Yttrium-Aluminum-Garnet), which emits focused energy pulses.

Mechanism:

In PCO: It ruptures the opacified capsule behind the intraocular lens (IOL) to restore visual clarity.

In capsulophimosis: It makes radial cuts in the contracted capsule to release tension.

Key Benefits of the YAG Laser

✅ 1. Immediate Results

Vision improves in 24-48 hours (vs. weeks with traditional surgery).

Quick procedure: Takes 5-10 minutes per eye.

✅ 2. No Incisions or Hospitalization Required

Performed on an outpatient basis, with only anesthetic drops.

✅ 3. Minimal Risk of Complications

No infection (no surgical wound).

No induction of astigmatism (unlike manual surgery).

✅ 4. >95% Effectiveness

90% of patients recover their pre-opaque vision (Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery).

How is the Procedure Performed?

Preparation:

Anesthetic and mydriatic drops (to dilate the pupil).

Special contact lens to focus the laser.

Laser Application:

Small holes are made in the opaque capsule (OCP) or radial incisions are made (capsulophimosis).

Post-treatment:

Anti-inflammatory drops for 3-5 days.

Clear vision in 24-48 hours.

⚠️ Possible Complications (Rare)

❌ Transient increase in intraocular pressure (5-10% of cases, manageable with drops).

❌ Cystoid macular edema (less than 1%, more common in diabetics).

❌ Damage to the intraocular lens (if the laser is not well focused).

Who Needs YAG Laser?

✔ Patients with OCP (30-50% of cataract patients develop it within 5 years).

✔ Symptomatic capsulophimosis (blurred vision, flashing lights).

✔ When opacity makes retinal examination difficult (e.g., in diabetics).

The YAG laser does not treat primary cataracts, only secondary opacity.