Role of Posterior Capsulotomy (YAG Laser) in Cataracts & Glaucoma

The majority of patients who have had cataract surgery reported improved vision after the procedure. However, sometimes a condition called posterior capsule opacification (PCO) is formed which causes the lens to become cloudy. However, a YAG (Yttrium Aluminium Garnet) laser treatment which can take a couple of ten minutes only can bring some relief to the situation and make the vision clear again.

Posterior capsular opacification of the eye (PCO)

YAG laser capsulotomy is a non-surgical intervention intended for managing PCO that occurs as a complication of cataract surgery. In some individuals, the back membrane of the implant becomes thicker and as opaque as a cataract thus causing hazy and blurred vision. YAG laser capsulotomy is a short, painless and effective surgery to open the opaque posterior capsule to allow light to penetrate through. The procedure is quite simple and takes only a few minutes at most and most of the time, results are processed immediately. 

Glaucoma

YAG capsulotomy in particular needs certain precautions for patients with Glaucoma.  YAG laser peripheral iridotomy (PI) is for treating narrow-angle or acute-angle glaucoma through, a surgical operation in which tiny incisions are made to facilitate fluid to move from the back of the iris to the front of the eyes. However, one of the probable complications of YAG capsulotomy in glaucoma patients is the transient increase of the intraocular pressure IOP which affects the optic nerve. While most of the patients suffer from this side effect briefly, glaucoma patients are at a higher risk of damaging their optic nerve if their eye pressure is not regulated. 

Thus, the doctors should give the IOP-lowering medications before or after the procedure coupled with the regular check-up of the patient’s eye pressure to prevent any kind of complications. Consequently, the YAG capsulotomy is beneficial and safe in treating PCO. It should, however, be done cautiously in patients with advanced Glaucoma to prevent eye pressure in patients which would be more dangerous to the eyes.