Some patients will have an evaluation for PCO and YAG on the same day. If this is the case, you can expect a longer visit in the clinic for a comprehensive dilated exam. However, if you are only having a YAG laser capsulotomy, the appointment is straightforward. You’ll check in, often in a clinic or laser room setting (not an operating room). Preparation: They will measure your vision and perhaps check eye pressure first. You’ll get a dilating drop to open the pupil widely (similar to your cataract surgery day or eye exams). Also, a numbing drop will be put in right before the laser, because often the doctor uses a special contact lens on your eye during the laser to help focus the beam (this lens keeps your eye open and steady, and the numbing ensures you don’t feel it much). You sit at the machine and place your chin and forehead on the rest like a regular eye exam. During laser:The doctor aims a red targeting beam on the capsule behind your lens and then fires the YAG laser pulses. You’ll likely hear a clicking/snapping sound with each laser shot. You might see flashes of light. There’s no pain – maybe a very slight sensation or shock the first time just out of surprise, but truly it’s painless inside the eye. The entire laser treatment takes maybe 1-2 minutes. The doctor usually takes between 25 to 100 laser shots to create the opening. After: They’ll remove the contact lens (if used) and rinse your eye with saline. Some doctors may prescribe an anti-inflammatory drop for a few days. Many docs don’t find it necessary except maybe for certain patients. Your vision might be a bit blurry right after dilation and gel used with the contact lens, and you might see floaters – these are tiny pieces of the blasted capsule or small condensations in the vitreous. Don’t be alarmed; floaters are common after YAG but usually settle at the bottom of the eye out of vision over a few weeks. You can resume normal activities immediately as there are no restrictions typically (the openings in the capsule are laser-created, no wound healing needed). Your eye might feel slightly tired or light-sensitive from dilation, so bring sunglasses. Usually by the next day, once dilation wears off, you’ll notice improved vision clarity. You will likely have a follow-up maybe in a week to ensure everything is fine, though some doctors might just schedule an exam in a month unless you have concerns. It’s one of the simplest procedures we do. One of the biggest frustrations is usually that it takes so much time to dilate and examine the eye, while the laser procedure itself takes only a minute or so. Remember- you’ll need someone to drive you home. The day of YAG is really easy on you compared to original cataract surgery.
