YAG Laser
YAG laser is an extremely sensitive type of laser and is a green laser type that allows the removal of unwanted tissues within the eye. YAG laser is used to eliminate several different problems in eye treatments. The most common reason for its use is to remove the posterior capsule opacity (opacity) that occurs in people who have undergone cataract surgery. The posterior capsule is left. This capsule (membrane) also holds the newly placed artificial intraocular lens. After a certain period of time after cataract surgery, some patients may experience dullness in the posterior capsule holding the artificial intraocular lens. This condition does not harm the eye, but it causes patients to experience cataract symptoms again. As a result, blurred vision occurs, decreased visual acuity, and glare at night lights occur.
YAG Laser Capsulotomy is a light treatment. YAG laser aims to remove the thickening and dulling of this tissue by applying a polishing process to the tissue behind the lens without entering the eye or touching the eye with any tools. As a result of the procedure, the patient's recurrent cataract symptoms are eliminated and the patient's vision is improved.
YAG Laser is also used in different eye treatments and treatments in different fields of medicine, in addition to the posterior capsule dulling that occurs after cataract surgery.
SUBJECT TITLES
How is YAG Laser Capsulotomy Surgery Performed?
The procedure is performed in a clinic setting and is an outpatient treatment. First, a drop is instilled into the patient's eye to dilate the pupil. Then, just before the laser is applied, the eye is anesthetized with a second drop of anesthesia and the treatment is started.
It is a procedure performed through laser beams from the outer part of the eye, without entering the eye. During the treatment, a magnifying lens is used to ensure more effective refraction of the laser beams entering the eye. Patients only feel a sound and flashes of green light during the procedure. The application takes approximately 5 minutes for each eye.
After laser treatment, the patient should rest for a short time. Blurred vision will continue for a few hours after the end of the treatment due to the effect of the eye drops used to dilate the pupil before the treatment. Eye drops or certain medications can be given to the patient to prevent or control the increase in intraocular pressure.
Why is YAG Laser Done?
YAG laser is most commonly applied after cataract surgery due to the dulling of the posterior membrane holding the artificial intraocular lens.
Other areas of use in eye treatments are in glaucoma patients due to accumulation of fluid in the eye and increased eye pressure. It is used to drain the causative fluid by opening a micro hole in the iris tissue and to reduce eye pressure. This procedure is called YAG Laser Iridotomy.
It is also used to shrink the opacities in the intraocular fluid, and this procedure is called YAG laser vitreolysis.
Possible Complications After YAG Laser
YAG laser is an extremely safe method, but like every operation, it carries some risks.
After laser treatment, you may experience glare and discomfort for a short time. This situation is temporary.
Due to the clearing of the opacity on the membrane, floaters may be seen in the eye for a certain period of time.
There may be an increase in intraocular pressure for a few days, but this is not the case. It is controlled through various drops and under doctor's supervision.
