Yag-Laser

What is posterior capsulotomy?

Posterior capsulotomy is a laser surgery that you may need at some point after cataract surgery. It helps you see clearly if your vision becomes cloudy again.

When you have cataract surgery, your ophthalmologist removes the cloudy lens from your eye. This lens is replaced by an artificial clear intraocular lens (IOL). The intraocular lens is held in place in the natural lens capsule of the eye. Weeks, months, or years later, this capsule may become cloudy or wrinkled, thus causing blurred vision. With posterior capsulotomy, a laser is used to make an opening in the cloudy capsule. This allows light to pass through again for clear vision.

What happens during a posterior capsulotomy?

The procedure is done in your ophthalmologist’s office or in an outpatient surgery center. It only takes 5 minutes. It consists of the following:

Your eye will be anesthetized with eye drops. You may also be given drops to dilate your pupil.
Your ophthalmologist will point a special laser at the back of the lens capsule to make a small opening.
After the procedure, you can usually return to all your normal daily activities, including driving. Your ophthalmologist will tell you if there are things you cannot do right after surgery.
After surgery, you may need to use eye drops for a few days. Your ophthalmologist will let you know if this is necessary.
If you don’t have other eye problems that affect your vision, your vision should improve in about 24 hours.

What are the risks of posterior capsulotomy?

As with any surgery, there are potential risks and complications with posterior capsulotomy. These are some:

You may have a retinal detachment (when tissue detaches from the back of the eye). You can see what appears to be a gray curtain moving across your field of vision. You may also see lots of floaters or flashes of light. You should contact your ophthalmologist immediately if this happens to your vision.
The pressure in the eye may increase.
The intraocular lens can move through the opening of the posterior capsule.
You may have inflammation in your eye and need steroid drops.