During cataract surgery, the natural clouded lens is removed and an artificial lens is implanted in its place. Ideally, the natural lens capsule remains intact during surgery and can be used as a suspension for the artificial lens.
In approximately 50% of operated cataracts, the body's own cells can form a so-called post-star on the back side of the lens capsule. This cataract usually develops two months to two years after cataract surgery.
The clouding of the artificial lens causes symptoms similar to cataracts, namely glare and blurred vision. So-called “star bursts” or star effects are typically complained of about light sources.
Vision may continue to decrease and glare may increase. Glasses do not bring any improvement in this situation and a spontaneous regression of the secondary star does not occur. Rarely can the artificial lens also shift as a result of the poststar, which can result in a significant impairment of vision, especially with value-added lenses such as toric or multifocal lenses.
As a result of treating the afterstar, the IOL can shift slightly, which can result in a change in refraction or eyeglass values. For this reason, fine corrections such as touch-up surgery should only take place after the afterstar has been treated.
The pupil is dilated with eye drops. Individual laser pulses are then delivered specifically behind the clouded lens capsule while sitting on the YAG laser device. The treatment usually only takes a few minutes.
The YAG laser is based on the principle of “photodisruption,” i.e. the laser energy causes the secondary star and the lens capsule to be in the center. As a result of the flow of aqueous humor inside the eye, the torn lens capsule is swept backwards so that the optical center and thus the view is clear. Like cataract surgery, capsulotomy is performed individually on each eye so that the risks can be better estimated.
In the vast majority of cases, vision is significantly improved as a result of the operation. If there are other causes (glaucoma, retinal disease) in addition to the cataract, the desired improvement in vision may not be achieved.
As a result of the procedure and the eye drops that dilate the pupils, increased blinding or temporarily blurred vision may occur in the first hours after the procedure. As a result, no vehicles should be driven after lasering.
The use of eye drops and ophthalmic check-ups may be necessary depending on the energy used.
As a result of the procedure and the eye drops that dilate the pupils, increased blinding or blurred vision may occur in the first few hours after the procedure. As a result, no vehicles should be driven after lasering.
The use of eye drops and ophthalmic check-ups may be necessary depending on the energy used.
The risks associated with YAG capsulotomy are generally very small and extremely rare.
If the laser is handled improperly or patients move excessively during treatment, the artificial lens may be damaged. The cataract is rarely very pronounced and, after the YAG capsulotomy, a further procedure or, even more rarely, surgical removal of the turbidity is necessary.
The intraocular pressure may increase as a result of the procedure. Special eye drops or tablets help bring this back to normal.
Capsulotomy can cause inflammation in the eye. Such an inflammation in the eye can result in water accumulation in the retina (macular edema). Cortisone supplements help control this inflammation.
Very rarely, the position of the artificial lens can change as a result of the procedure. The literature describes individual cases of infections inside the eye released by a capsulotomy. These can be treated with another procedure.
