YAG Capsulotomy

Following cataract surgery, approximately 10-50% of patients will develop clouding of the posterior capsular membrane within months to years following cataract extraction. The capsular bag is a very thin layer of tissue that acts as a scaffold for the holding the implanted intracoular lens in place. With time, cells collect on the capsular bag and creating visual clouding. This phenomenon is sometimes referred to as a “secondary cataract” but this terminology is a misnomer- the clouding is due to capsular haziness, not the development of another cataract.

If the cloudiness from the capsular membrane causes decreased vision, a YAG laser can be used to precisely remove the clouded membrane.  This procedure is in an in-office setting, is completely painless, and can be done in roughly 10 minutes.