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YAG Laser Treatment in London | Post-Cataract Care

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At a glance:

YAG LASER TREATMENT

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Symptoms:

Blurred, cloudy vision developing several months post-cataract surgery; posterior capsule opacification (PCO), glare or halos in vision, decrease in visual acuity

Diagnosis:

When the back of the lens capsule is left intact after cataract surgery for implant support, and it subsequently becomes cloudy. 

Treatment:

Involves laser technology to create an opening in the cloudy lens capsule to restore clear vision; Treats Posterior Capsule Opacification (PCO)

Celebrating 12 years of Clinica London! By Ms Jane Olver 10

Our clinic operates as a private surgery and is not affiliated with the NHS (National Health Service)

What is YAG Laser Treatment 

YAG Laser Capsulotomy is a specialised laser treatment designed to treat and improve vision for patients experiencing Posterior Capsule Opacification (PCO), a common complication following of cataract surgery. This PCO results in vision problems such as new cloudy vision, blurred vision, double vision or being sensitive to light, which affects your lifestyle.

After cataract surgery, this capsule is left in the eye to support your artificial lens implant. The posterior capsule is the delicate membrane behind the lens of the eye. In approximately 10% of cataract patients, the transparent membrane can start to thicken. This tends to be more prevalent in younger cataract patients and those with glaucoma and diabetes. It is easily treatable with YAG laser posterior capsulotomy. 

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When should you see a doctor for YAG Laser Capsulotomy?

YAG Laser Capsulotomy in done at Clinica London, equipped with state-of-the-art technology. Our clinic has experienced cataract consultants to ensure effective treatment with the utmost care.  

 

If you’re in London, book a consultation with one of our cataract specialists if you notice any of the following new symptoms after cataract surgery:  

  • Vision problems affecting your lifestyle 
  • Gradual onset of blurred, cloudy or hazy vision 
  • Glare caused by light sensitivity
  • Double vision 
  • The difference in vision between your two eyes is significant 
  • Another vision-threatening eye disease

 

 

  

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YAG laser posterior capsulotomy? 1

Treatment Specifics & Benefits 

YAG Laser Capsulotomy is renowned for its effectiveness, safety, and quick recovery. The laser surgery aims to improve your vision back to the level it was after the cataract was removed.    

The YAG laser treatment uses a laser to create a central opening in the cloudy capsule, allowing light to pass through unobstructed, restoring clear vision. It’s a painless outpatient procedure, ensuring a return to normal activities almost immediately.   

In addition, YAG lasers have been used in ophthalmology for decades. They have been used widely in cancer treatment, hair removal, cosmetic surgery, and manufacturing. 

Preparing for the procedure

At the consultation, we will discuss your medical history, symptoms and raise any concerns you might have to prepare you for the treatment.  You’ll also need to bring your current glasses and a list of any medicines you’re taking.   

It is also recommended not to use any face products before the treatment.  

Celebrating 12 years of Clinica London! By Ms Jane Olver 8

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During the procedure 

The YAG Laser Capsulotomy procedure at Clinica London is performed with precision and the utmost care to ensure patient comfort and optimal results. Our nurse will begin by checking your vision, and the surgeon will examine the eye to confirm its need for treatment. The pupil is then dilated with eyedrops, which takes about 15 to 20 minutes to settle.  

Note: A big pupil makes it easier for the eye surgeon to see the thickened capsule and accurately place the laser beam.   

 

After the drops have dilated the eyes, the local anaesthetic drops are placed in the eye as you sit at the laser machine. This machine is the same one our eye surgeon uses to examine the eyes but with the laser attached to it. No discomfort is felt during this procedure; it should only take about five minutes to complete.  

 

A special laser contact lens is gently placed on the eye’s surface, while the other eye is covered for protection. The laser treatment commences while the patient keeps still. The contact lens magnifies the view for our consultant to identify the laser points and open the membrane accurately. The YAG laser treatment removes part of the thickened posterior capsule without damaging the intraocular lens or other parts of the eye. The eye then absorbs the tiny lasered fragments over 24 hours, which won’t be noticeable for the patient. You will be given eye drops after the treatment. 

How Long do the results last? 

Patients can typically notice an immediate improvement in vision clarity following the treatment. The results are long-lasting, with the opened capsule remaining clear to ensure unobstructed vision.  

 

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Does Treatment hurt? 

This treatment for PCO uses a low-energy laser, a light energy passes through the cornea at the front of the eye without cutting it. This eliminates the risk of infection after the treatment. The YAG laser can make delicate cuts when focused on the lens capsule, allowing light to pass through again. In addition, anaesthetic drops are placed in the eye, and no pain is felt during the procedure. 

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Recovery & Aftercare 

The eye pressure is checked after the treatment, and you are allowed to go home or to work, half an hour later.  

You may also carry on with all your usual activities unless you’ve been advised not to by your consultant. You should, however, not drive on the day of your appointment, so you will need to make arrangements for your journey home.  

Additionally, you will be given some anti-inflammatory drops for a few days, then return to see your eye surgeon a week or so later. 

Risk & Side Effects 

YAG lasers have been used in ophthalmology for decades and is a very low-risk treatment. Any risks to consider will be discussed in the consultation.  

Other risks can be:   

  • A transient rise in eye pressure, if detected, it is treated.   
  • The opening hole in the thickened capsule may not be big enough, and the YAG laser posterior capsulotomy may have to be repeated.  
  • Rarely does the eye get inflamed, and the macula waterlogged (macula oedema), which can blur or distort vision.   
  • A retinal detachment, but this is extremely rare.  

 

During the few days following your YAG laser treatment, you may experience some side effects, such as having you eye feel a bit sore, experience “floaters” or slightly blurred vision, having your eyes feel itchy or as if there is a grit stuck in it. Nevertheless, these side effects are completely normal and should improve in a few days.  

OUR CONSULTANTS

Our highly experienced consultant team at Clinica London is dedicated to personalised care, ensuring each patient’s comfort and safety while achieving optimal results. With their expertise, patients can expect an in-depth consultation, personalised treatment, and comprehensive post-procedure care.  

We have several ophthalmic consultants who carry out posterior capsular opacification (PCO) YAG laser capsulotomy after cataract surgery.  

Ms Evgenia Anikina is an Ophthalmic surgeon at Clinica London. She is a highly experienced retinal specialist with a seamless, combined approach to complex eye problems. Ms Anikina performs the YAG laser capsulotomy, providing precise treatments and the utmost care. 

Ms. Stacy Strong is a skilled and knowledgeable cataract surgeon and medical retina specialist at Clinica London. Known for her kind nature, she also performs YAG laser capsulotomy and retinal laser for diabetic retinopathy, diabetic maculopathy, retinal microaneurysms, and retinal tears/holes. 

Mr. Julian Robins, known for his excellent communication, also performs YAG laser capsulotomy. He is a skilled and experienced consultant eye surgeon who specialises in caring for patients with blurred vision, especially retina and macula conditions, and lens (cataract) surgery complications. 

Mr Julian Robins 5

Mr Julian Robins

Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
Cataract, Vitreoretinal (VR) and Medical Retina Specialist

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Ms Stacey Strong 3

Ms Stacey Strong

Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
Cataract & Medical Retina Specialist

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Ms Laura Crawley

Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
Cataract & Glaucoma Specialist

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Mr Sajjad Ahmad

Mr Sajjad Ahmad

Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
Cornea & External Eye Diseases, Cataract, Keratoconus & Refractive Surgery Specialist

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Ms Naomi Tan

Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
Paediatric Ophthalmology, Paediatric Strabismus, and Adult Cataract Specialist

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Mr Harry Petrushkin

Consultant Ophthalmologist
Adult and Child Uveitis Specialist and Cataract Surgeon

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Our clinic operates as a private surgery and is not affiliated with the NHS (National Health Service)

Pricing

How much does YAG Laser Capsulotomy cost?

TreatmentPrice range
YAG Laser Capsulotomy (Inclusive of Surgeon, Anaesthetist, and Hospital Fees)from £750 to £1075
Consultation FeesNot Included

Initial consultation fees are not included.

FAQS

How long does it take to recover from YAG Laser Capsulotomy treatment?

Recovery is quick, with most patients seeing results and being able to resume to their normal activities almost immediately following the treatment. 

Can you drive after YAG Surgery?

At London Clinica, your safety is our priority. We advise having a family member or friend drive you to and from the clinic. However, many patients report to have clear vision immediately after surgery. You are safe to drive after YAG capsulotomy as soon as your eyesight meets the standards of vision for driving. 

Can I have YAG treatment on both eyes on the same day?

Typically, one eye is treated at a time to ensure safety and monitor the initial eye’s response to the treatment. It is advisable to allow time for the first eye to settle before treating the second eye. 

Will I have to do another YAG Procedure in the future?

in the thickened capsule may not be big enough, and the YAG laser posterior capsulotomy may have to be repeated. 

Award Winning Clinic in London

Clinica London is a leading ophthalmology and dermatology medical clinic. It has a sense of passion for helping patients. The clinic’s consultants are highly skilled professionals who have received British, European, and international awards in their respective fields. Clinica is honest and offers transparent treatment advice in a relaxed and comfortable environment.

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Telephone: 020 7935 7990

International Callers : +44 20 7935 7990

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