YAG Laser Capsulotomy & Treatments in Shrewsbury, UK And Surrounding areas

What is Yag laser capsulotomy ?

For some patients following cataract surgery, the capsule (bag) may become thickened causing blurred, hazy vision. YAG laser eye surgery is a technique used to correct this problem. The lens that sits on a membrane known as the lens capsule may start to get hazy after the surgery. There is nothing to worry about, as this is a very common problem.

This is known as posterior capsular opacification (PCO) and can be treated with a quick YAG laser treatment procedure. The YAG laser machine makes a small opening in the capsule bag thus allowing a clear passage for light into the eye, improving the clarity of the vision.

What Happens During YAG Laser Capsulotomy Treatment?

Pre-Procedure

You need to visit the clinic about an hour before the procedure to get your eyesight and other conditions checked. The team may provide some eye drops to dilate your pupils to make the procedure much easier. These drops may sting a little and you may not be able to see properly for a while – things may be a bit blurred or distorted. Finally, your consultant will ask you a few questions and give you some details about the procedure.

During The Procedure

The procedure is carried out in the consulting room as it’s not surgery. The doctor might ask you to wear a contact lens that helps the laser to focus better. You will be sitting in a chair with your face resting in front of the laser machine (known as a slit lamp). The procedure is painless and requires only five to ten minutes. Your surgeon will carefully direct a laser beam into your eye. You will see a bright light and hear some clicking noises. The beam will make a hole in the clouded capsule behind the lens so that light will be able to pass through this to the back of the eye.

Post Procedure

Once the procedure is complete, the doctors will advise you to stay at the facility for a while till the effects of the dilating eye drops wear out. It is best to bring someone with you to the procedure as you won’t be able to see clearly for a while. After this, you can go home and take a rest. Most patients notice an improvement in sight within a day.

Benefits of YAG Laser Capsulotomy

The YAG laser capsulotomy procedure has made the treatment extremely safe and precise. As the laser can pass through the cornea without cutting it, there is absolutely no risk of infections or damage to the eye. With the help of the lens placed on the patient’s eyes, the equipment can make very delicate cuts.

Why choose Paragon Clinic for YAG Laser Eye Treatment?

If you are looking for hassle-free YAG laser capsulotomy in the UK, Paragon Clinic is here for you. With the combined efforts of our expert consultants and the latest technologies, we ensure you get the best YAG laser eye treatment. Our aim is to provide a warm and friendly environment for all our patients, so you feel comfortable during the procedure. Contact us to book an appointment today!

What will happen during treatment ?

The treatment is carried out in the consulting room as it’s not surgery. It doesn’t hurt and the laser machine we use feels just like having a normal eye examination.

About 10 minutes before the treatment, you will have drops to dilate (open up) your pupil and anaesthetic eye drops put into your eye to gently numb the surface of the eye. These drops may sting a little and you may not be able to see properly for a while – things may be a bit blurred or distorted.

You will be asked to sit in a chair and your clinician will put a small contact lens on your numb eye. You will then be asked to rest your chin on the frame of the laser machine to help keep your eye still. Your surgeon will carefully direct a laser beam into your eye. You will see a bright light and hear some clicking noises. The beam will make a hole in the clouded capsule behind the lens so that light will be able to pass through this to the back of the eye.

The procedure usually takes five to ten minutes and is not painful.

Will I be able to see clearer straight way ?

After the laser treatment, the eye will be temporarily ‘blind’ or ‘dazzled’ caused by the bright light emitted from the laser machine. Your vision will gradually begin to return, usually in a series of colours, over a period of 5-10 minutes but will remain blurred for 4-6 hours until the dilating drops wear off, if they were used.

Can I drive following this treatment ?

No. This is because you have had dilating drops your vision will be a little blurred for up to 6 hours after the treatment. It is therefore advisable not to drive and to make alternative arrangements.

Is there any aftercare I need to be aware of after Yag Capsulotomy ?

There are no physical restrictions following treatment. You may need anti-inflammatory eyedrops in your eye following treatment. This will be fully explained to you by the clinician if the need should arise. You may be given a prescription to take to your local Chemist to obtain anti-inflammatory eye drops, to be used for 1-2 weeks, if the clinician feels they are necessary.

If you wish to see your Optician for an up-to-date refraction (eye test) after having YAG capsulotomy laser treatment, you should wait for 2 weeks before doing so. This will give your eye time to settle fully.