YAG Capsulotomy: Your Experience
YAG capsulotomy is done in your eye doctor’s office or at an outpatient surgery center. The treatment is usually quick and painless. You can most often return to your normal routine right away. There are no needles, no stitches, and no risk of infection. Your vision will most likely be fully restored soon after treatment.
Possible Risks
Laser treatment is safe. But know that there are some risks:
Eye pressure may rise, usually only for a short time.
The laser can nick the IOL. But this almost never affects vision.
Rarely, the retina may become detached.
Before Capsulotomy
Ask your eye doctor whether you need to have someone drive you to and from your treatment. Most people see sharply again right away and go home shortly after treatment.
During Capsulotomy
First, your eye is numbed and your pupil is dilated with drops. Then, you rest your chin on a stand in front of the laser machine. You may see flashes of light and hear a faint clicking sound as the laser enters your eye. But you should not feel any pain. You can help by staying relaxed and still.
After Capsulotomy
You should begin to see better within a few hours. Your eye doctor may check your eye pressure later that day or the next. He or she may also give you eyedrops or an ointment. Once the posterior capsule (area of the eye that holds the lens in place) has been opened, it won’t cause your vision to cloud again.
Call your doctor right away if you have any of the following:
Increased pain
Sudden decrease in vision
Increased flashing lights or floaters
A shadow covering your vision