YAG Laser Capsulotomy in Central PA

YAG laser capsulotomy is a frequently performed procedure that is sometimes needed following cataract removal surgery. During cataract surgery (laser or traditional), the clouded lens impacted by cataracts is taken out; however, the structure that holds the new lens in its position is left intact. Sometimes, this structure, which is also called a sac or capsule, can develop cloudiness several months or years after cataract removal surgery by a process called posterior capsule opacification (PCO). While this can be bothersome and alarm some patients, PCO can be easily treated with a noninvasive laser treatment called a capsulotomy using a YAG (yttrium aluminum garnet) laser.

At The Eye Center of Central PA, our board-certified ophthalmologists perform YAG laser capsulotomies for patients experiencing clouded vision after their cataract surgery. If you've noticed cloudy vision develop once again, we encourage you schedule an appointment.

Ideal candidates for a YAG capsulotomy are patients who have received cataract removal surgery (either laser or traditional) and are now noticing cloudy vision once more. Sometimes, individuals may think they have developed cataracts again; however, once the natural lens is removed cataract(s) cannot develop.

While your consultation could take place at nearly any of our Central PA offices, our ophthalmologists perform YAG capsulotomy procedures at our surgical facility in Allenwood. This procedure is a noninvasive outpatient treatment that can usually be finished in 20 minutes or less. Before your surgery, a member of our team will place anesthetic and dilation drops into the treated eye. After the drops have taken effect, we will ask you to sit still as the ophthalmologist guides the YAG laser to create a microscopic hole in the capsule to allow light to pass through more easily, which will diminish or eradicate the cloudiness.

Our team at The Eye Center of Central PA may ask our patients to attend a follow-up appointment as needed. The majority of individuals report little to no discomfort following a capsulotomy. We may provide additional post-operative instructions, but you should be able to resume your normal activities as early as the next day. Many patients notice an improvement to their vision as soon as 24 hours after their surgery.

At The Eye Center of Central PA, we know that experiencing cloudy, blurry vision after cataract surgery may be worrying or frustrating. However, it's essential to keep in mind that cataracts cannot return once the natural lens has been removed. Instead, this development is most likely due to posterior capsule opacification (PCO), which can occur in the capsule that used to hold the new intraocular lens. If you received cataract surgery in the past and are how noticing blurred vision, contact our office and set up your consultation.