Question:
Hi has anyone ever had a problem with scar tissue after cateract surgery? I now need laser surgery because of the scar tissue which was caused from having the cateract surgery. Does anyone know anything about scar tissue in the eyes and laser surgery? I also had laser surgery before for a partially detached retina. I'm a little concerned after having 3 surgeries already. Please feel free to email me at Calahigg73@Aol.com

Thanx,Sue

Answer:
Hey Sue, how are you doing?

When it was invented two decades ago, it was a major surgical advance that allowed ophthalmologists to remove scar tissue from the capsule without returning to the operating room. A YAG capsulotomy is quick and painless.

"Posterior capsule opacification" or "after-cataract," is a condition that can reduce vision if it becomes dense enough. The capsule that is intentionally left in the eye to support the IOL may become cloudy as part of the normal healing process after cataract surgery.

The procedure is performed at a modified slitlamp in the surgeon's office. Energy from the YAG laser can be precisely delivered to the capsule behind the IOL.

Once delivered, it passes through the cornea and the IOL, without damaging them, and it is focused on the capsule that the surgeon can see with a slitlamp behind the IOL. When vision falls because of posterior capsule opacification, a small opening can be made in the capsule behind the IOL with a YAG laser, which is named for the material used to generate the laser energy (yttrium-aluminum-garnet).

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