YAG laser capsulotomy

Modern cataract surgery involves replacing the blurred,natural lens with an appropriate artificial intraocular lens(IOL), which simultaneously corrects refractive error.

For achieving the best possible result, the IOL is placed into the posterior capsule.
The posterior lens capsule is a transparent, thin membrane that serves as a support for the implanted intraocular lens and as a barrier toward the vitreous body.

After cataract surgery (months or years later), opacification of the posterior capsule may develop.
This opacification is called secondary cataract or posterior capsule fibrosis. It is the most common and easily treatable discomfort following cataract,surgery,caused by the migration and proliferation of epithelial cells.

Symptoms include blurred vision (as if looking through foggy or dirty glass).
Because the symptoms are similar to those of cataract, it is called a secondary cataract.

Advances in surgical techniques and modern intraocular lenses help delay the onset of this condition (typically 4–5 years after surgery).

Posterior capsule fibrosis is treated with YAG laser capsulotomy.

This outpatient procedure is painless,non-invasive and is done by creating a small opening in the center of the posterior capsule.
It is performed after dilating the pupil and applying a topical anesthetic in the form of eye drops.
After the procedure, the patient can go home immediately. Visual recovery is complete and rapid, with vision improvement within a few hours.

Sometimes fibrosis can already be observed during cataract surgery (e.g., in cases of high myopia, “mature” cataracts, diabetes,
and other systemic diseases). In such cases, YAG capsulotomy is performed 3 months after surgery.

In infants and young children, opening of the posterior capsule is performed surgically in the operating room.