When do you get YAG?

Indications. The most common reason for performing an Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy is when significant fibrosis, wrinkling, or opacification of the posterior capsule occurs. When PCO causes decreased vision, glare, or difficulties with visual function, a laser capsulotomy is indicated.

What is Dysphotopsia?

dysphotopsia—positive and negative—that can occur after cataract surgery. “Dysphotopsia just means an unwanted image that patients see after cataract surgery.

What is capsular opacification?

Posterior capsular opacification (PCO) occurs when a cloudy layer of scar tissue forms behind your lens implant. This may cause you to have blurry or hazy vision, or to see a lot of glare from lights. PCO is fairly common after cataract surgery, occurring in about 20% of patients.

How do you prepare for YAG?

No preparation is necessary, and patients may resume normal activities immediately.

Who invented the YAG laser?

Danièle Aron-Rosa (born 1934) is a French-Tunisian ophthalmologist and physician-scientist most known for developing the picosecond, ophthalmic Nd:YAG laser for eye surgeries. She has been called one of the two most respected laser pioneers in ophthalmology, alongside Franz Fankhauser.

How long does YAG procedure take?

The procedure is usually 20-45 minutes long and is carried out after you have had anaesthetic eye drops to numb the eye surface. Your surgeon will replace the faulty lens with a new one.

What are the symptoms of YAG?

How do you know if you may be in need of a YAG laser procedure? Here are some common symptoms: Blurred Vision (Gradual – over months/years) Gradual “Fog” or “Film”

What is ghosting after cataract surgery?

Ghosting vision or double vision, also more properly known as diplopia, is a condition that occurs when your eyes that normally work together start to see two slightly different images. Double vision occurs when these two different images cause you to see them transposed next to each other.

What causes shadows after cataract surgery?

When the optic is in the capsular bag, there is a space of roughly 0.5 mm between the IOL and the iris. This extra space allows light to reflect off the edge of the optic, causing a shadow.

Why does PCO happen?

PCO occurs because cells remaining after cataract surgery grow over the back (posterior) of the capsule causing it to thicken and become slightly opaque (cloudy). This means that light is less able to travel through to the retina at the back of your eye.

What does PC IOL stand for?

Posterior chamber intraocular lenses (PCIOL) are placed within the capsular bag or less commonly anchored into the ciliary sulcus. The lens can be folded and inserted into the eye through a very small opening made during phacoemulsification.

What is YAG used for?

A YAG laser can be used to treat several types of vision problems. Examples include sealing leaking blood vessels, reducing pressure in the eye, replacing the cornea, and removing part of the iris. The most common procedure is a capsulotomy after cataract surgery.

What are the uses of YAG laser?

Nd:YAG lasers are used in manufacturing for engraving, etching, or marking a variety of metals and plastics, or for metal surface enhancement processes like laser peening. They are extensively used in manufacturing for cutting and welding steel, semiconductors and various alloys.

What type of laser is YAG?

YAG laser: A type of laser emitting near-infrared light used to cut or ablate tissue by conversion of the light into heat upon absorption by the tissue.

How common is YAG surgery?

The incidence of Nd:YAG capsulotomy ranged between 2.4–12.6% at 3 years and 5.8–19.3% at 5 years post-cataract surgery. Similarly, the incidence of PCO ranged between 4.7–18.6% at 3 years and 7.1–22.6% at 5 years.

Why do cataracts grow back?

Cataracts cannot grow back because artificial lenses cannot develop cloudy or opaque areas. However, what can happen in the months or years following cataract surgery is that the lens capsule becomes cloudy due to the growth of certain cells on the inside the capsule.

Can YAG be done twice?

In short, the answer is yes, but it’s not quite that simple. Each case is unique and when dealing with something as important as eyesight, maximum care must be taken to ensure that patients are suitable for treatment.

Why do eyes sparkle after cataract surgery?

As the new lens settles into position many people will notice shimmering or flickering of vision, which is normal. Some people will also notice a crescent shape of light in the edge of their vision which is reflection from the edge of the lens and usually resolves over a few months.