Type of Surgery
Information
Last updated: 02/17/2009
The purpose of a laser capsulotomy is to remove a PCO. This procedure dramatically improves visual acuity and contrast sensitivity and decreases glare. The visual acuity before capsulotomy can be as poor as 20/400, but barring any other visual or ophthalmologic...
conditions, the patient will see as well after a laser posterior capsulotomy as after removal of the original cataract. Laser capsulotomies are usually performed once a patient's vision is 20/30.
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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
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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
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