Posterior Capsule Opacification and YAG Laser Capsulotomy

Dr Alan Mendelsohn, Fort Lauderdale eye surgeon speaks about PCO and YAG Laser Capsulotomy.

At the time of cataract surgery, 100% of the time, intentionally, the very back layer of the cataract is left intact in the eye so that an intraocular lens (IOL) can gently rest against this layer, referred to as the posterior capsule. Within a few weeks, the IOL becomes essentially locked in place, thereby making the posterior capsule obsolete. Over weeks, months, or years, the posterior capsule will wrinkle, crinkle, and become opacified. This is referred to as posterior capsule opacification (PCO).

The vast majority of patients in the aftermath of cataract surgery eventually develop PCO, necessitating a one-minute laser procedure in the office called a YAG Laser Capsulotomy.

Dr Alan Mendelsohn has performed laser surgery since 1983. Lasers are presently used to painlessly open membranes behind implants, to treat certain cases of glaucoma, and to treat some cases of retinal disease. He uses the the Neodymium-YAG laser in these cases to cut a small opening in the clouded capsule to restore vision. This procedure is painless, requires no injection, no anesthetic, no hospital admission, and takes only a few minutes. The patient can resume his normal activities immediately.

If you have any questions about this, feel free to contact Dr Mendelsohn.