Download Advice on Nd: YAG Laser Capsulotomy

Ophthalmology
Advice on Nd: YAG Laser Capsulotomy
What is posterior capsule opacity?
Almost half of patients will develop haze of the membrane behind the intraocular lens (IOL)
implant following cataract surgery.
This results in hazy or blurred vision or significant glare. This condition is known as posterior
capsule opacity, sometimes referred to as “secondary cataract”. Cataracts, however, never
recur following cataract surgery.
Posterior capsule opacity
How is it treated?
Posterior capsule opacity is treated by a minor laser procedure known as a YAG laser
capsulotomy, at an outpatient appointment.
If you need this information in another format or language 01536 492510
Further information about the Trust is available on the following websites:
KGH - www.kgh.nhs.uk | NHS Choices - www.nhs.uk
Ref: PI.155 January 2012
Review: January 2014
How is it done?
In this procedure, a laser is used to make a hole in the hazy capsule situated behind the IOL
implant.
This usually requires dilatation of pupils, by using eye drops, prior to the procedure. The
treatment takes only a few minutes, is entirely painless, and usually causes no discomfort
afterwards.
Gap in posterior capsule
Some patient may require anti-inflammatory eye drop medication after the procedure.
After the treatment
Because of the use of eye drops, you will not be able to drive immediately after the treatment
and will need to arrange for someone to collect you to take you home.
What are the benefits?
Improved vision.
What are the risks?
There is a small chance of lens damage. Some patients may have reactionary collection of fluid
at the back of the eye and rarely retinal detachment is a possibility.
You should anticipate some “floaters” in the field of vision following this procedure, however,
these are likely to resolve within a few weeks time.
What are the alternatives?
These will have been discussed with you at your outpatient appointment. If this was not the
case please ask for further information.
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When can I return to work?
Following the treatment, you may resume normal activities immediately. Most patients may
expect their vision to improve within a day following the procedure.
As with any eye procedure, you should contact the eye department immediately if your vision
worsens
or fails to improve.
If you have any questions or concerns please contact:
The Ophthalmic (Eye) Department
Kettering General Hospital NHS Trust
Rothwell Road, Kettering NN16 8UZ
 01536 492105 or 01536 492153
Monday to Friday 9.00am – 4.30pm
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