Type of Surgery
Information
Last updated: 02/17/2009
Laser capsulotomy is usually performed in an ophthalmologist's office as an outpatient procedure. Before beginning the capsulotomy, the patient is given an informed consent for the procedure. An hour before the laser capsulotomy, a drop of a...
pressure-lowering drug such as timoptic or apraclonidine is administered. A weak dilating drop to enlarge the pupil is applied to the eye. The eye may be anesthetized locally if the doctor uses a special contact lens for the procedure.
The patient then puts the head in the chinrest of a slit lamp microscope, to which a laser is attached. The doctor then may place a special lens on the front of the eye. It is important that the patient remain still as the doctor focuses on the posterior capsule. A head strap to help keep the patient's head in place may be used. While focusing on the posterior capsule, the doctor, with repeated bursts from the Nd:Yag laser in a circular manner, disrupts the PCO. An opening forms on the posterior part of the lens capsule as part of the PCO falls off of the posterior capsule and into the vitreous. Another drop of apraclonidine, or other pressure-lowering eyedrop, is applied to the eye as a preventative measure for increased pressure in the eye, which is experienced by most patients after the procedure. This is a brief procedure lasting only a few minutes and is not associated with pain.
Advertisement
Search
Other Information
Laser posterior capsulotomy, or YAG laser capsulotomy, is a noninvasive procedure performed on the eye to remove the opacification (cloudiness) that develops on the posterior capsule of the lens of the eye after extraction of a cataract. This differs from the anterior capsulotomy that the surgeon makes during cataract extraction to remove a cataract and implant an intraocular lens (IOL). Laser posterior capsulotomy is performed with Nd:YAG laser, which uses a wavelength to disrupt the opacification on the posterior lens capsule. The energy emitted from the laser forms a hole in the lens capsule, removing a central area of the opacification. This posterior capsule opacification (PCO) is also referred to as a secondary cataract.
From http://www.answers.com/topic/laser-posterior-capsulotomy
Other Information
Surgeons aim for results of 20/20 or better so that you can perform most daily activities without your glasses. However, there is a possibility that after surgery, you may need to wear reading glasses or corrective lenses for at least some activities.
-Eye Surgery Education Council
Find a Qualified Specialist
Looking for a specialist?
Please enter your zip code.