Posterior Capsule Opacification Treatment (YAG Laser Treatment)

The YAG laser treatment for posterior capsule opacification (PCO) is a non-invasive procedure and is therefore generally suitable for all patients who develop PCO.

If vision deteriorates again after cataract surgery, it should be checked whether PCO has occurred. This can then be painlessly treated with a YAG laser capsulotomy.

YAG laser treatment for posterior capsule opacification is safe, painless, and takes only a few minutes. In the vast majority of cases, the recurrence of clouding can be permanently eliminated. The results are visible almost immediately.

Before your YAG laser treatment in Linz and Vienna, your eyes will be pre-treated with pupil-dilating eye drops. The actual posterior capsule opacification (PCO) treatment is contact-free and therefore completely painless.

The YAG capsulotomy only takes a few minutes and is performed on an outpatient basis. Afterwards, you can leave the practice immediately. The only restriction is that, due to the dilated pupils, you are temporarily not allowed to participate in road traffic.

In the posterior capsulotomy treatment with the YAG laser, the thickened lens capsule is immediately opened. Therefore, an improvement in vision usually occurs right away. Once the effect of the eye drops has worn off, you should be able to see clearly again.

The success rates of posterior capsular opacification treatment with the YAG laser are very high. In most cases, vision can be fully restored. However, if the eye is already damaged, an optimal result may not be achieved.

After your posterior capsule opacification treatment in Linz and Vienna, you will temporarily not be fit to drive. Therefore, you should be accompanied to your appointment or arranged to be picked up afterward.

To prevent inflammation, your ophthalmologist will prescribe anti-inflammatory eye drops, which you should use several times daily for about one week.

The YAG laser capsulotomy is a low-risk procedure when performed by an experienced ophthalmologist. Complications are very rare with this non-invasive treatment.

Intraocular pressure may temporarily increase after the YAG laser treatment. To prevent complications, regular follow-up examinations are scheduled.

Occasionally, residual posterior capsule opacification particles remain in the vitreous humor and are perceived as small black floating spots. In rare cases, fluid accumulation can occur in the central retina area. This so-called cystoid macular edema can usually be treated effectively with medication.

Thanks to modern treatment methods, the risk of retinal detachment following YAG capsulotomy is very low today. Retinal detachment can generally be successfully treated surgically.