What happens during a YAG procedure?

During the procedure, eye drops are given to dilate the pupil and give the ophthalmologists a clearer view of the capsule. You will then be seated before a microscope and will be administered anaesthetic drops for your eye. This helps avoid any discomfort as special contact lenses are inserted into the eye to separate your eyelid and help the eye surgeons focus on the area being treated.

Your head will be situated on the jaw rest of the microscope and your temple pressed firmly forward on a thin band. A red light will become noticeable and a slight "snapping" sound will occur during the procedure. Patients can sometimes feel terrified at first – however, this is a normal occurrence and won't be harmful to you in any capacity.

A YAG laser capsulotomy is typically performed as an outpatient treatment and lasts between five to ten minutes. Your vision will be blurred for up to four hours following the treatment, before eventually clearing up. After the treatment, you will be required to wait in the outpatient surgery area for one to two hours, so that the ophthalmologist can appropriately monitor abnormal pressure levels in the eye (intraocular pressure).

When do you need a YAG capsulotomy?

Like cataract, a YAG capsulotomy is necessary when you have the following symptoms:

• Glare caused by bright lights
• You are experiencing double vision
• A marked difference in vision between the two eyes
• Inability to pass a vision test necessary for a driver’s licence
• Another vision-threatening eye condition is present

A YAG capsulotomy treatment is normally not needed until your eyesight and lifestyle are severely impacted by clouding of the lens capsule.

What are the risks and possible complications of a YAG procedure?

While YAG laser capsulotomy is considered a safe operation with few complications, the procedure usually causes inflammation (swelling) in the eyes. As a result, you might feel side effects like redness, an itchy sensation, and sensitivity to light that subsides after a few days. Should the inflammation persist, it can cause swelling in the centre of your vision (cystoid macular oedema) or the front part of the eye (corneal oedema).

The presence of floaters is another common side effect of this procedure. Floaters are little black lines and specks that appear in your eyesight, and usually disappear after a few days.

In rare cases, YAG laser capsulotomy may result in increased ocular pressure. This is normally treated with eye drops or oral (taken by mouth) drugs and goes away with time.

Post-treatment care

You will be given painkillers to ease the irritation in your eyes for a few days following the procedure. Most patients are usually ready to continue their day-to-day routine without significant interruption. Nonetheless, the following activities ought to be avoided:

• rubbing or touching your eyes
• wearing any eye makeup for at least a week
• swimming for at least two weeks
• putting any bath products in your eyes for at least a week
• ball sports - or any activity that risks getting struck in the face - for at least a month

Follow-up care is a fundamental part of your treatment and safety. If you have any worries, be sure to make and keep all appointments with your Eyecentric ophthalmologist..

The YAG capsulotomy methodology is quick and easy. We at EYECENTRIC Bukit Tinggi Medical Centre (BTMC) encourage you to consult our highly skilled eye doctors to discuss possible risk factors and whether you need this procedure. Our eye experts are happy to answer all your concerns during your personal consultation.