YAG Capsulotomy

The Frequency-doubled Nd:YAG laser is used in ophthalmology to clear a film that sometimes grows behind the intraocular lens implant. By doubling the frequency of this crystal laser from the infra-red region at 1064nm to 532nm. This tightly focused packet of energy can create an opening in the film to allow clearer vision to return. This same laser is used, at a higher intensity setting, for laser peripheral iridotomies.

The YAG capsulotomy is an in-office technique at the West Coast Glaucoma Centre. After instilling a drop of topical anaesthetic, a lens is touched to your eye in order to focus the laser on the posterior lens capsule. The technique takes approximately 5-10 minutes to complete. Afterwards, a glaucoma eye drop will also be instilled to reduce the chance of a sudden spike in eye pressure and you will wait in the waiting room for 30-60 minutes so that we can recheck you before you leave. Follow-up will be arranged for 1 week later and 6 weeks later and you will likely take an anti-inflammatory eye drop for several days to make sure you do not have any discomfort.

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Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI)
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)
Gonioplasty or Iridoplasty
-> YAG Capsulotomy