YAG Laser Capsulotomy
A few months to a few years after a cataract removal surgery, some patients may develop clouded vision again and believe the cataracts are back. However, the artificial lenses used in cataract surgery cannot form cataracts. What these patients are really experiencing is called posterior capsule opacification (PCO), which is very treatable.
The posterior capsule is the eye's natural structure that holds and supports the lens. In some patients, this capsule – not the lens – can become clouded after cataract surgery. Since it is not the lens but only its capsule that is clouded, it can be taken care of with a noninvasive procedure called a YAG laser capsulotomy.
We are proud to perform YAG laser capsulotomies for our San Antonio, TX area patients. Reach out to us at Stone Oak Ophthalmology Center today if you have developed any new clouded vision after cataract surgery.
Reviews
"I’m always impressed by the expertise and kindness of the doctors and staff. Stone Oak Ophthalmology has taken care of my vision for 25 years. I started with Dr Held, now see Dr Young, and have been impressed by my recent visit with Dr Waters: 3 strong, brilliant and compassionate women."
- D.T. / Google / Mar 05, 2022
"Receptionist very professional yet demeanor was pleasant. Quiet waiting area. Doctor and medical attendants very upbeat. Enjoyable experience."
- D.H. / Google / Mar 04, 2022
"I am so please that I was recommended to this office as well to Dr. Allison Young. The office and the personal are professional and cheerful. I have Sjögren’s Syndrome which drys everything in your body. I honestly though I was going blind and I was seeing another ophthalmologist in a huge chain operation and it seems like I was going in every three months. I honestly couldn’t see. Dr Young saw me on the first visit and explained that I had a very large cataract in my right eye and it needed to be removed. I was extremely petrified but Dr. Young has the type of additive you want every Doctor to have. It was such an easy operation for me, Dr. Young said that it was so big it took her awhile to get it out. The difference was amazing I see amazing I was so amazed how little I was seeing before. So excited to get the other eye done. The after care was just as through as the pre-op. I recommend this Ophthalmology Center and Dr. Young. Today is January 8th of 2021 and the day before this I had a very gritty feeling in my right eye when I woke up. Just thinking it was my Sjogren's I put in the eye drops and it helped but I had double vision for the day. Knowing I could call Stone Oak Ophthalmology and find out if I need to see a Dr or just find out what I could do. They wanted to get me in but I live a across town and they got me an appointment right away the next day. I saw Dr. Whitney and just like Dr. Young, she took her time took the tests (she explained each test and her reason for taking them) and ended up finding out that I had Shingles in my right eye. I was then told it was a very good thing that I came in because it could be worse the longer you wait. I trust this office and my eye health whole heartily. I have always been treated with respect, professionalism, COVID responsible and I know my appointment was done to it's fullest to help both of us to understand what is happening with my eyes. Again I was afraid my eyesight was going to be gone and I have walked in there and them out knowing everything was being done that could be done. I also got to meet another one of these wonderful Doctors. Thank you Dr. Whitney, I'm not thrilled with having Shingles but thank you for informing me that getting the Shingles Shot is not a 100% it just makes it less infectious. I maybe miserable but it could of been a lot worse with out your insisting we do the testing and your hands on care it could be worse. If you are someone who needs an Ophthalmologist this is the group to go to."
- R.P. / Google / Jan 08, 2021
Best Candidates
The best candidates for a YAG laser capsulotomy are patients who have had cataract removal surgery with no other complications besides the newly blurred vision. At your consultation, we will perform a comprehensive eye exam to diagnose the PCO and ensure that you are in overall good health. Certain factors that could impact whether you are a candidate for a laser capsulotomy include:
- High internal eye pressure
- Macular edema
- Any previous retinal detachment or tears
- Any ongoing eye infections
What To Expect
We perform YAG laser capsulotomies as outpatient procedures. They generally only last from 10 – 15 minutes, are virtually painless, and have little to zero downtime afterward.
Before the procedure, your eyes will be completely numbed and dilated with special eye drops. Once the drops are working, the YAG laser will be focused on a very specific spot on the back of the posterior capsule where it will make a microscopic hole. This tiny hole allows light to pass through, drastically reducing or fully removing the clouded capsule's effect on your vision.
Follow-Up
After having a laser capsulotomy, it's very important that you come back to Stone Oak Ophthalmology Center the next day for a follow-up appointment. We will likely ask you to come back again within the following few weeks. During these visits, we will monitor your healing progress, as well as your vision improvement.
Most patients are able to get back to work and driving their vehicles within a day or two and have little to no pain or discomfort at all. However, even though you will feel fine and have clear vision, the actual healing process takes a few weeks. We'll prescribe some eye drops you will need to use during this time, and we might ask you to refrain from strenuous physical activity.
Post-Cataract Blurry Vision
If you have noticed a new blurring of your vision after having cataract surgery, it is probably due to posterior capsule opacification (PCO). PCO is incredibly easy to treat with a YAG laser capsulotomy, which can restore your unclouded vision within just a couple of days. Contact Stone Oak Ophthalmology Center in San Antonio, TX today to set up an evaluation for this safe and effective treatment.