YAG Capsulotomy

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You don’t always have to travel far to receive the eye care you need! 

Our goal is to provide convenient, personalized eye care for patients in Lander and surrounding Wyoming communities. Lander Vision Source is proud to offer eligible patients access to YAG laser capsulotomy with Dr. Kortny Lancaster right here in Lander.

At Lander Vision Source, Dr. Kortny Lancaster, O.D., offers YAG laser capsulotomy for eligible patients experiencing cloudy vision following cataract surgery. This in-office laser procedure can help restore visual clarity without the need for another traditional surgical incision.

What Is a YAG Laser Procedure?

YAG laser capsulotomy is a procedure used to treat posterior capsule opacification (PCO), a common cause of blurry or hazy vision that can develop weeks, months, or even years after cataract surgery.

During cataract surgery, the cloudy natural lens is replaced with a clear artificial lens. The thin membrane that supports the artificial lens can sometimes become cloudy over time, making vision seem as though the cataract has returned. This is sometimes called a “secondary cataract,” although the original cataract has not grown back.

A YAG laser creates a small opening in this cloudy membrane, allowing light to pass through more clearly and potentially improving vision.
 

Who May Benefit From YAG Laser Treatment?

You may be a candidate for YAG laser capsulotomy if you have previously undergone cataract surgery and are experiencing symptoms such as:

• Blurry or hazy vision
• Glare or difficulty with bright lights
• Reduced visual clarity
• Difficulty reading or performing everyday activities because of cloudy vision

A comprehensive evaluation is necessary to determine whether posterior capsule opacification is responsible for your symptoms and whether YAG laser treatment is appropriate.

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What to Expect During Your Procedure

YAG laser capsulotomy is typically a quick, outpatient procedure performed in the office.

1. Preparation

Your eye will be examined, and dilating and numbing eye drops may be administered. Your doctor will explain the procedure and answer your questions.
 

2. Laser treatment

You will sit at a specialized instrument while Dr. Lancaster uses a focused laser to create a small opening in the cloudy membrane behind your artificial lens. You may notice bright flashes of light or hear clicking sounds during treatment.
 

3. After your procedure

Your eye pressure may be checked after treatment. Depending on your individual needs, you may be prescribed eye drops and given instructions for follow-up care.

Most patients return home shortly afterward. Your vision may initially be blurry because of dilation, and you may notice temporary floaters. Follow your doctor’s instructions regarding driving and returning to normal activities.
 

What Are the Benefits of YAG Laser Capsulotomy?

For appropriate candidates, YAG laser treatment may offer several benefits:

•  Improved visual clarity: Opens the cloudy membrane that is interfering with light entering the eye.
•  No surgical incision: Uses a laser rather than a scalpel to create the opening.
• Convenient outpatient care: Usually performed in an office setting without a hospital stay.
• A relatively short procedure: Treatment generally takes only a few minutes.

Results vary depending on the cause of your vision changes and whether other eye conditions are present.
 

Are There Any Risks?

YAG laser capsulotomy is generally well tolerated, but, like any medical procedure, it has potential risks. These may include a temporary increase in eye pressure, inflammation, increased floaters, swelling inside the eye, damage to the artificial lens, and, rarely, a retinal tear or detachment.

Dr. Lancaster will discuss the potential benefits and risks with you and determine whether treatment is appropriate for your eyes.

Contact an eye care professional promptly if you experience new flashes of light, a sudden increase in floaters, a curtain or shadow across your vision, or sudden vision loss after treatment.

Clearer Vision, Convenient, Expert eye care close to home at Lander Vision Source! 

We also work with referring eye care providers to help coordinate patient care when appropriate.
 

Have questions about YAG laser treatment?

Contact Lander Vision Source to learn more, discuss a referral, or schedule an evaluation.

Lander Vision Source
556 Main Street
Lander, Wyoming
Phone: (307) 332-2020

This webpage is intended for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for an individual eye examination or medical advice. Eligibility, treatment recommendations, and follow-up care are determined on an individual basis.