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YAG laser capsulotomy

YAG laser capsulotomy for Posterior Capsular Opacification (PCO)

Posterior capsular opacification (PCO) is often described as a “secondary cataract,” although it’s not actually a cataract.

After cataract surgery, where the cloudy lens inside your eye is replaced with a clear artificial one, the thin tissue bag (or capsule) that holds the lens in place can sometimes undergo an exaggerated healing response and become cloudy. This cloudiness can present months or years after the initial surgery.

ophthalmologist doctor consulting patient 1

The cloudy capsule makes your vision blurry again because it blocks light from reaching the back of your eye properly. It’s like looking through a dirty window after you’ve just cleaned it. The good news is that it can be easily treated with a quick laser procedure to make a small opening in the cloudy capsule, allowing light to pass through again and restoring clear vision.

man having eye sight check 1

The laser procedure, YAG laser capsulotomy, is a quick outpatient procedure and takes only a few minutes to perform. The pupil is dilated with drops to visualise the treatment area. The eye is numbed with anaesthetic drops and Mr Bhermi will steady the eye with a contact lens which also helps to apply the laser.

Recovery and visual improvement is usually rapid. Once the pupil-dilating drops have worn off the vision should be noticeably shaper. This is most noticeable the day after laser treatment.

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