YAG laser dissection of the posterior capsule for secondary cataract

How is the posterior capsule dissection laser surgery performed for secondary cataract?

The essence of the procedure is the formation of a new hole in the posterior capsule of the lens (its cloudy part), not exceeding a diameter of 3 mm. Thanks to this, light rays can freely pass through the optical system of the eye and hit the retina, which improves visual acuity.

Half an hour before the start of the procedure, drops are instilled into the eye, dilating the pupil. Manipulation progress:

1. Drugs for local anesthesia are buried.
2. The doctor selects the optimal regimen for influencing the opaque lens. Neglected cases require more power than recent ones.
3. With the help of a microscope, the ophthalmologist directs the laser beam to the posterior capsule, dissecting it. The result is a rounded hole.

Previously, the operation to dissect the posterior capsule was performed manually - the surgeon used instruments to organize access to the lens. Features of the laser technique:

• Contactless.
• Almost atraumatic.
• No complicated rehabilitation required.
• Minimum complications.
• The total time does not exceed 5-7 minutes.

Rehabilitation period

After surgery to dissect the posterior capsule with secondary cataract, a bandage is not required, the patient can go home after 2 hours. The doctor prescribes drops, explains the frequency of their use and dosage; he talks about the need to comply with a protective regime to prevent the development of complications.

The doctor appoints the days of scheduled examinations when the patient will need to come to assess the condition of the eye after surgery. In general, the rehabilitation period is painless and does not exceed a month.

Possible complications

The main possible side effects observed after YAG laser dissection of the posterior capsule in secondary cataract:

1. Increased intraocular pressure. It passes on its own after three days, in rare cases, it requires the appointment of antihypertensive drops or taking medications.
2. Swelling of the internal structures of the eye. It is removed by decongestants, mainly non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used.
3. Damage to the stratum corneum. Appears in the presence of dystrophic thinning of the cornea, but usually this condition is detected during a preoperative examination.
4. Retinal detachment, edema of the optic nerve exit point. An extremely rare complication, observed in patients who have previously undergone detachment, rupture or other pathologies of the retina.
5. Hemophthalmus is a hemorrhage in the anterior chamber of the eye or vitreous humor. Predisposing factors - the presence of newly formed vessels on the iris, blood diseases associated with its thinning.
6. Prolapse of the vitreous into the anterior chamber of the eye. It occurs when the ligamentous apparatus of the lens is damaged, first of all, if the recommendations of the ophthalmologist are not followed.

Postoperative complications are quickly diagnosed and treated successfully in most cases. In order not to miss the development of undesirable phenomena, it is important to visit a doctor for examination on the appointed days.