Some patients experience significant vision complications including visual acuity, glare, and contrast sensitivity, which often require further treatment. Currently, the standard treatment for PCO is Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy, which has a success rate of more than 95%.
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What is the success rate of posterior capsulotomy?
Some patients experience significant vision complications including visual acuity, glare, and contrast sensitivity, which often require further treatment. Currently, the standard treatment for PCO is Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy, which has a success rate of more than 95%.

Who needs YAG surgery?
Those who are at risk of developing a second cataract often need a YAG capsulotomy. The procedure also is more prevalent among younger people who undergo cataract removal, especially among children with ocular growths, than it is among the 50-plus set. It’s also more commonly required in women versus men.
How long does surgery take after YAG?
It will take a few days to see as clearly as possible. You shouldn’t have pain. You should be able to return to work or your normal routine the day after surgery. It is common to see spots or floaters for a few weeks after surgery.
Why do I need a YAG capsulotomy?

The procedure helps to permanently improve vision by replacing the natural lens of the eye with an artificial lens that requires no upkeep or care as glasses do. A YAG laser procedure is a common necessity for patients that have undergone cataract surgery in order to tweak results for an optimal outcome.
What can go wrong with YAG laser?
Documented complications include, transient rise in intraocular pressure,2 retinal detachment,3 lens subluxation or dislocation,4 lens pitting,5 and exacerbation of local endophthalmitis.
What are the side effects of YAG laser?
YAG laser capsulotomy is generally a very safe procedure. However, there are some risks and side-effects which includes an increase in floaters, raised intraocular pressure, inflammation, haloes/glare, lens damage, retinal tear/detachment. Your glasses prescription may also change after the laser treatment.
How common is YAG surgery?
The incidence of Nd:YAG capsulotomy ranged between 2.4–12.6% at 3 years and 5.8–19.3% at 5 years post-cataract surgery. Similarly, the incidence of PCO ranged between 4.7–18.6% at 3 years and 7.1–22.6% at 5 years.
Is a YAG procedure painful?
Is YAG laser capsulotomy treatment painful? No. Laser treatment in the majority of patient’s is usually completely painless, but sometimes may be a little uncomfortable.
What is the recovery time after YAG laser?
There is no downtime after a YAG Laser Capsulotomy, but many patients experience floaters in their vision for a few weeks. These floaters may be small or large and are often described as a “bug” or “amoeba” in the patient’s visual field. They can be dark or transparent in color.
How soon can you drive after YAG laser treatment?
Generally, driving should be possible as soon as 24 hours after the procedure. If you have questions about laser eye surgery and the options that are available for you, please call us on 0203 369 2020, or request a call back.
How much does a YAG laser cost?
How Much Does a YAG Laser Surgery Cost? On MDsave, the cost of a YAG Laser Surgery ranges from $1,399 to $1,730. Those on high deductible health plans or without insurance can save when they buy their procedure upfront through MDsave.
How safe is YAG surgery?
In the end, YAG capsulotomy is safe than ever and remains one of the safest procedures performed in the United States in addition to being one of the most common. Talk to your ophthalmologist about your concerns and ask questions if you’re still unsure.
How common is YAG capsulotomy?
Is YAG laser capsulotomy risky?
Are there risks of laser capsulotomy? YAG laser capsulotomy is a very safe procedure and complications are very, very rare. Potential pitfalls of the procedure include inadvertent damage to the patient’s lens replacement (intraocular lens) or retina, but these are very rare.
Can you drive after YAG laser treatment?
The procedure is painless. The patient sits behind the YAG laser and moves their eyes as directed by the physician. Generally, each affected eye is treated with about 50 laser pulses. This is one of the few eye procedures after which you can drive yourself home from the appointment if you do not have an alternative.
How do I prepare for a YAG laser?
No preparation is necessary, and patients may resume normal activities immediately.
Does insurance cover YAG surgery?
Medicare covers 80 percent of the costs of YAG laser capsulotomy after you pay your Medicare Part B deductible. YAG laser capsulotomy procedures are typically done in a hospital outpatient department or an ambulatory surgical center. This is why Medicare Part B medical insurance rules apply to the procedure.
What are the side effects of YAG laser surgery?
Can you drive home after YAG laser treatment?
How much does a YAG capsulotomy cost?
YAG laser capsulotomy cost The national average cost of a posterior capsulotomy is $2,376, though that number can vary greatly depending on several factors, including where the procedure is done and what health insurance you have.