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The normal lens of the eye is like a grape, having an outer skin and inner gel-like material. When a cataract forms, the material inside the lens turns cloudy and interferes with good vision. Cataract surgery removes the cloudy lens and replaces it with an intraocular lens implant. During cataract surgery the fine skin (like a capsule) of the lens is left in place to support the new lens implant. In some cases, the capsule may become cloudy after surgery. This is sometimes called a "secondary cataract". The YAG laser can be used to create an opening in the capsule and a clear path for light to enter the eye.
The YAG laser treatment is painless and is done on an out-patient basis at the Heaton Laser and Surgery Center.
The YAG laser is a surgical instrument that produces a short pulsed, high-energy light beam that can be precisely focused by computer to cut, perforate or fragment tissue.
While being treated with the YAG laser, the patient sits in a chair in front of the laser. The doctor focuses the YAG laser onto the cloudy capsule using a special aiming beam. The laser beam passes through the cornea and the lens implant. As the beam reaches its focal point on the cloudy capsule, the energy becomes highly concentrated and creates a new window in the capsule. The procedure takes only a few minutes.
What to expect the day of treatment.
- We treat one eye at a time.
- The eye that is being treated will be dilated before the procedure. By opening the pupil of the eye, the doctor is able to see the lens implant and the cloudiness he will be treating.
- A driver is not necessary to take a patient home following treatment. Some patients choose to bring a driver due to light sensitivity following dilation.
- Eating and drinking as normal is allowed before arriving. Patients are not given a sedative before the procedure.
- Following the procedure, patients are asked to remain in the office for 45 minutes to allow a measurement of the eye pressure.
- The eye that is treated is not patched.
- Medicated drops are used to promote healing after the treatment.
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