YAG laser capsulotomy – Laser treatment of secondary cataracts
To restore vision, the posterior capsule, clouded by the secondary cataract, can be opened using a YAG laser (a laser that cuts tissue). YAG laser capsulotomy is simple and painless. It is performed in a few minutes in the office, without hospitalization or anesthesia consultation. No special recovery period is required other than using anti-inflammatory eye drops for a few days.
Preparing for laser treatment of secondary cataracts
Laser capsulotomy is performed during a consultation at the doctor's office.
For the sake of informed consent, the programming consultation and the laser are not carried out on the same day, except at the express request of a colleague (addressing) or in special cases (reduced mobility for example).
It is advisable to put in the Mydriaticum® drops before coming to the office or to arrive 20 to 30 minutes early.
You will be slightly dazzled after the laser treatment, so feel free to bring a pair of sunglasses.
Procedure for laser capsulotomy
The pupil is dilated using mydriatic eye drops, as if performing a fundus examination.
A few drops of anesthetic can help minimize discomfort during the laser treatment. However, the procedure is completely painless even without these drops.
You will be seated in front of a slit lamp (tabletop microscope).
You will be asked to look straight ahead. The ophthalmologist will make his initial adjustments.
A lens can come into contact with your eye in the event of micromovements.
The laser has started. You may feel a vibration and a click with each laser pulse. These are surprising but painless; do not recoil.
The laser treatment is finished after approximately 1 minute.
After the laser
You will almost certainly complain of glare immediately after the laser.
A few hours later, visual recovery will be complete and satisfactory.
Although it is a safe and well-controlled procedure, many patients report seeing floaters in the days following the procedure. These can be caused by small residual fragments of the capsule, which usually dissolve within a few days. Sometimes the patient experiences slight discomfort.
This is a permanent treatment completed in a single session. It is impossible for the opacity to reappear in the years following the laser treatment.
Post-laser treatment
Complication
Secondary cataracts are benign, but they will gradually decrease vision until they become disabling. Without treatment, they can lead to near-blindness. However, this is completely reversible after laser treatment.
Complications from laser treatment are extremely rare; the main ones to be aware of are:
The inflammatory rebound upon discontinuation of eye drops.
The transient peak of intraocular pressure in the patient suffering from glaucoma.
Implant dislocation – The implant moves or even falls out.
Retinal detachment – Laser impacts near the vitreous humor can cause retinal tears which unfortunately progress to detachment.
Cost and reimbursement of laser treatment for secondary cataracts
The social security rate for laser capsulotomy is €83.60.
In addition to this, there may be a supplemental doctor's fee. This will be covered in whole or in part by your supplemental health insurance. You should check your supplemental health insurance policy beforehand.