YAG Laser Capsulotomy

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Things you need to know

1.What is YAG Laser Capsulotomy​?
2.Why do you need it?
3.Why cost vary in philippines?
4.Surgery cost range by city
5.Surgery Procedure
6.Recovery
7.Risk and complications
8.FAQ
9.Conclusion

What is YAG Laser Capsulotomy ?

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Why do you need YAG Laser Capsulotomy ?

YAG laser capsulotomy is indicated for:

  • Posterior Capsule Opacification (PCO):
    • Clouding of the posterior lens capsule after cataract surgery or RLE, also called “secondary cataract.”
    • Symptoms: Blurred vision, glare, halos, or difficulty with night vision (typically 1–5 years post-surgery).
  • Timing:
    • Performed when PCO significantly affects vision (e.g., visual acuity drops to 6/12 or worse) or causes functional issues (e.g., glare impacting driving).
  • Prevalence:
    • PCO occurs in 10–20% of patients within 2–5 years after cataract surgery; more common in younger patients or with certain IOL types.

The procedure aims to restore clear vision by creating a small opening in the cloudy capsule, allowing light to pass through to the retina unimpeded.

Why Do YAG Laser Capsulotomy Costs Vary in Philippines?

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YAG Laser Capsulotomy Procedure

  • Before surgery Evaluation:
    • Diagnosis:
      • Slit-lamp exam: Confirms PCO and assesses capsule thickness.
      • Visual acuity test: Measures vision impairment (e.g., 6/12 or worse).
      • Glare test: Evaluates impact of PCO on vision in bright light.
      • Fundus exam: Ensures retina/macula health (rules out other causes of vision loss, e.g., macular degeneration).
      • Intraocular pressure (IOP): Baseline measurement (YAG can cause temporary IOP spike).
    • Medications: Pupil-dilating drops (e.g., tropicamide) and numbing drops (e.g., proparacaine) applied; IOP-lowering drops (e.g., brimonidine) may be given pre-procedure to prevent pressure spikes.
    • Consent: Risks, including floaters, are explained.
  • Procedure Techniques:
    • YAG Laser Capsulotomy:
      • Performed in an outpatient setting, lasting 5–10 minutes.
      • The patient sits at a slit-lamp equipped with a YAG laser.
      • A contact lens (e.g., Abraham lens) may be placed on the eye to stabilize it and focus the laser.
      • The YAG laser (neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet) delivers short pulses of energy to create a central opening (3–5 mm) in the posterior capsule.
      • Energy settings: Typically 1–3 mJ per pulse; total pulses vary (20–100) based on capsule thickness.
      • The procedure is painless; patients may feel a slight “click” or see flashes of light.
    • Intraoperative Tools:
      • YAG laser: Creates the capsular opening.
      • Slit-lamp: Provides visualization and laser delivery.
      • Contact lens: Focuses laser and stabilizes eye.
  • After Surgery:
    • Observation: 30–60 minutes to monitor IOP.
    • Eye care: Steroid drops (e.g., prednisolone) for 3–7 days to reduce inflammation; IOP-lowering drops (e.g., timolol) if pressure spikes.
    • Instructions: Avoid rubbing the eye or strenuous activity for 1–2 days; no other restrictions typically needed.

Recovery After YAG Laser Capsulotomy

  1. Immediate Recovery: Observation for 30–60 minutes; same-day return to normal activities.
  2. Post-Procedure Care:
    • Vision: Improves within hours to 1–2 days; 90–95% regain pre-PCO vision (e.g., 6/6 or 6/9 if no other eye issues).
    • Discomfort: Mild irritation or foreign body sensation for 1–2 days; managed with drops.
    • Eye care: Steroid drops for 3–7 days; artificial tears if dryness occurs.
    • Activity: No restrictions; avoid rubbing the eye for 1–2 days.
    • Floaters: Common for a few days (capsule fragments); usually resolve spontaneously.
    • IOP: Monitored post-procedure; temporary spike (1–3 hours) managed with drops if needed.
  3. Follow-Up:
    • Visit at 1 week to check vision, IOP, and inflammation.
    • Additional visit at 1 month if needed (e.g., for glasses prescription).

Most resume normal activities immediately; full visual recovery takes 1–2 days. Success rate: 95–98% achieve clear vision with no recurrence of PCO (procedure is permanent).

Risks and Complications

  • Procedure-Related Risks:
    • Raised intraocular pressure (5–10%): Temporary spike within hours; managed with drops; rare long-term glaucoma.
    • Floaters (10–20%): Capsule fragments in vitreous; usually resolve in days to weeks.
    • Inflammation (1–3%): Mild iritis; managed with steroid drops.
  • Rare Complications:
    • Retinal detachment (<0.1%): Higher risk in high myopes; causes flashes, floaters, vision loss; needs urgent surgery.
    • IOL damage (<0.1%): Laser pits the IOL; rarely affects vision.
    • Cystoid macular edema (CME, 1–2%): Swelling in macula; causes blurry vision; treated with drops or injections.
    • Capsule closure (<1%): Rare; opening closes due to scarring; may need repeat laser.
  • Long-Term:
    • Vision distortion (<1%): If CME or retinal issues develop; usually treatable.

Report sudden vision loss, severe pain, flashes/floaters, or increased redness promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What causes PCO?

Lens epithelial cells grow on the posterior capsule after cataract surgery or RLE, causing cloudiness; occurs in 10–20% of patients within 2–5 years.

Can I avoid YAG laser capsulotomy?

No, if PCO significantly affects vision; untreated PCO leads to progressive vision loss and glare.

Is YAG laser capsulotomy painful?

No, performed with numbing drops; patients may feel a slight “click” or see flashes but no pain.

How soon can I resume activities?

Normal activities immediately; avoid rubbing the eye for 1–2 days.

Is YAG laser capsulotomy covered by insurance in India?

Often covered as a post-cataract surgery complication; confirm with your provider.

Signs of complications?

Sudden vision loss, severe pain, flashes/floaters, or increased redness.

Will I need the procedure again?

No, the opening is permanent; PCO does not recur in the same area.

Lifestyle changes post-procedure?

Minimal; avoid rubbing the eye for 1–2 days, use prescribed drops, and attend follow-ups.

Conclusion

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Looking for Best Hospitals for YAG Laser Capsulotomy

Note: we are not promoting any hospitals

We do not promote any hospitals. All details are sourced from Google and hospital websites. Please verify independently. Start with your surgery—here’s the list of government, budget, and superspecialty hospitals accredited by the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Joint Commission International (JCI)

  • click on your city and schedule your surgery now done in good hands.
City Minimum Price (₱) Maximum Price (₱)
Angeles City
Antipolo
Bacolod
Bacoor
Baguio
Butuan
Cagayan de Oro
Caloocan
Cebu City
Dasmariñas
Davao City
General Santos
General Trias
Iligan
Iloilo City
Las Piñas
Makati
Malolos
Manila
Muntinlupa
Parañaque
Pasay
Pasig
Puerto Princesa
Quezon City
San Fernando
San Jose del Monte
Taguig
Valenzuela
Zamboanga City

Disclaimer

This information is sourced from open platforms and is for general awareness only. Costs may vary based on individual cases. Please consult a qualified doctor for medical advice and explore options within your budget before deciding on the procedure.

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