YAG capsulotomy or laser dissection of lens of the operated eye
After successful cataract surgery dimming of the lens capsule occurs in a certain proportion of operated eyes and decreases visual acuity. This condition can be treated with a special laser and does not require recurrent surgery.
Such a procedure is called capsulotomy with a YAG laser. This procedure takes only 2-5 minutes and can be performed in an outpatient setting, and is painless for the patient. A laser beam is directed to the thickened lens capsule and it dissects the capsule to the necessary extent improving the visual acuity of the patient.
SLT or selective laser trabeculoplasty in patients with glaucoma
Selective laser trabeculoplasty or SLT is used in patients with open-angle glaucoma in whom treatment with anti-glaucoma eye drops does not provide the desired therapeutic effect. A laser is used to improve fluid outflow from the eye.
This type of laser procedure is effective in many patients but its suitability for you will be determined by your treating doctor and it also depends upon the type of glaucoma.
SLT will be performed in an outpatient setting. The laser apparatus resembles a slit-lamp that the ophthalmologist uses at every visit in order to look into your eyes. At this procedure a contact magnifying glass is placed on the eye and through this a laser beam is directed into the corner of the anterior eye chamber. This procedure is painless for the patient; the patient sees only streaks of light resembling a flashlight. The procedure usually takes 10-20 minutes.
It might be necessary to use anti-inflammatory eye drops for about one week after laser trabeculoplasty. In most cases you will also be asked to continue the use of your usual anti-glaucoma medicines. Your ophthalmologist will inform you of any changes in your medicinal treatment regimen.
Viridectomy of the iris
One treatment option of narrow or closed-angle glaucoma is iridectomy performed with a YAG laser. During this procedure a small hole is produced in the peripheral part of the iris with a YAG laser. Such a procedure improves fluid circulation in the eye and also increases the volume of the anterior eye chamber. Fluid that is produced behind the iris has better access to the eye drainage system after this procedure. In most cases it decreases intraocular pressure and prevents the occurrence of acute glaucoma attacks in patients with closed-angle glaucoma.