YAG LASER CAPSULOTOMY

CAPSULAR OPACIFICATION

Yag laser capsulotomy is the definitive treatment for capsular opacification after cataract surgery. What is popularly referred to as cleaning the intraocular lens with laser, is actually a capsulotomy with Yag laser. The crystalline lens is similar to a lentil and therefore it has a nucleus and a capsule which surrounds it. When we perform cataract surgery, what we extract is the nucleus of the crystalline lens, leaving its covering, which is where the intraocular lens will be implanted and which is positioned in the eye. Once the cataract has been removed, it will not form again. What could happen is that the posterior capsule, where the lens is supported, could become dirty, giving rise to capsular opacification or what is commonly known as a secondary cataract. This can occur months, even years after cataract surgery has been performed.
When this happens the ophthalmologist will carry out a laser capsulotomy, quickly and simply. To carry out the capsulotomy, firstly anesthetic drops are used, then the ophthalmologist with the help of a laser will proceed to make a hole in the posterior capsule. This procedure is quick and painless and does not require hospitalization