Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy is the standard treatment for posterior capsule opacification (PCO) following cataract surgery. The procedure uses pulsed laser energy to create a circular opening in the clouded posterior capsule, restoring an unobstructed visual axis.
At Blue Fin Vision®, YAG laser capsulotomy is performed as an outpatient procedure within the clinical network. No incision or anaesthetic injection is required. The laser is applied through a contact lens placed on the surface of the eye following topical anaesthetic drops, and the procedure typically takes a few minutes to complete. ¹
Following capsulotomy, patients may notice floaters in the days after treatment. This is a normal consequence of the disrupted capsule material and typically resolves. Intraocular pressure may rise transiently following YAG treatment; patients with pre-existing glaucoma or ocular hypertension are therefore monitored closely after the procedure. ²
For patients with multifocal or trifocal intraocular lenses, the technical parameters of the YAG capsulotomy, including the size and centration of the opening, are important for preserving the optical performance of the lens. At Blue Fin Vision®, this is considered as part of the procedural planning for each patient.
The availability of YAG capsulotomy within the Blue Fin Vision® clinical network ensures that all aspects of postoperative care, including the management of late-presenting visual changes, remain within the same clinical relationship.
YAG laser capsulotomy is a routine, effective, and low-risk procedure when performed appropriately. Its availability within the treating surgeon’s network is a meaningful quality indicator.
References
- Karahan E, et al. An overview of Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy. Med Hypothesis Discov Innov Ophthalmol. 2014;3(2):45–50.
- Slomovic AR, Parrish RK. Acute elevations of IOP following Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy. Ophthalmology. 1985;92(7):973–976.
- NICE. Cataracts in adults: management. NICE guideline NG77. London: NICE; 2017.
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