YAG capsulotomy
You can find a printable pdf copy of this information sheet here.
Many patients will develop haziness in the capsule behind the intraocular lens following cataract surgery over time. This slowly degrades the clarity of the vision. A simple procedure, YAG capsulotomy, can restore the clarity of your vision within minutes with minimal risks.
What is YAG capsulotomy
This is a laser based procedure using the photodisruptive effect to remove the hazy posterior capsule. You will be sitting in front of a microscope, and Dr Sheck will place a few drops of anaesthetics on your eye. A small lens is then placed in front of your eye so Dr Sheck can clearly visualise the treatment area. He will then carefully place laser spot a few micrometers behind the posterior capsule to remove it without damaging the intraocular lens.
The procedure is entirely painless and is completed in a few minutes.
Recovery
There can be mild inflammation in the eye associated with the procedure, so Dr Sheck will give you a steroid eye drop to use 4 times daily for 5 days. Otherwise there is no specific precaution.
Risks
The procedure is of minimal risks. Sometimes, little pits on the intraocular lens can be caused by the laser, but these usually do not have any effect on your vision. Inflammation and swelling in the macula can rarely occur. Very rarely, retinal tears have been associated with this condition, but this is usually caused by using excessive energy during the procedure.
Dr Sheck is very experienced in this procedure, and safety is paramount. He will always use the minimal energy required for a satisfactory result, thus reducing the risk to the eye. Dr Sheck will only recommend this procedure if the benefits outweigh the potential risks.
About Dr Leo Sheck
Dr Sheck is a RANZCO-qualified, internationally trained ophthalmologist. He combined his initial training in New Zealand with a two-year advanced fellowship in Moorfield Eye Hospital, London. He also holds a Doctorate in Ocular Genetics from the University of Auckland and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Cambridge. He specialises in medical retina diseases (injection therapy), cataract surgery, ocular genetics, uveitis and electrodiagnostics.
