Laser Treatments

YAG Capsulotomy

After cataract or refractive lens exchange surgery, the artificial lens is placed inside the capsular bag (the thin membrane that previously held the natural lens). Over time, this membrane can become cloudy, causing blurry vision—this is called posterior capsule opacification (PCO) or a “secondary cataract.”

    The Yttrium-Aluminum-Garnet (YAG) laser creates a tiny opening in the cloudy capsule, allowing light to pass through clearly. The procedure is quick (a few minutes) and painless. The procedure is done during the normal flow of the clinic. Vision often improves within hours or days. Most people resume normal activities the same day.

    YAG Iridotomy

    YAG iridotomy is a laser procedure used to treat or prevent narrow-angle glaucoma (also called angle-closure glaucoma), a condition where fluid buildup in the eye causes dangerous pressure increases.

    The eye has a drainage system that allows fluid (aqueous humor) to flow out. In some people, the iris (colored part of the eye) blocks this drainage, leading to a sudden rise in eye pressure, which can cause vision loss.

    YAG iridotomy uses an Yttrium-Aluminum-Garnet (YAG) laser to create a tiny hole in the iris (usually at the top, hidden from view to improve fluid flow and prevent pressure buildup. This hole allows fluid to flow normally again, reducing the risk of high eye pressure.

    The procedure is quick (a few minutes) and painless for most people. Mild light sensitivity or redness may occur, but normal activities can resume quickly. This treatment can prevent serious vision loss from glaucoma.

    Panretinal Photocoagulation (PRP)

    Panretinal Photocoagulation (PRP) is a laser treatment used to manage severe diabetic retinopathy and other conditions that cause abnormal blood vessel growth in the retina.

    In diseases like proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), the retina does not get enough oxygen, causing it to grow weak, abnormal blood vessels. These vessels can leak, bleed, or cause scarring, leading to vision loss or retinal detachment.
    PRP uses an Argon (Blue-Green or Green Wavelengths) laser to shrink these abnormal vessels, preventing further damage. The laser makes tiny burns across the retina (away from the central vision). These burns reduce oxygen demand, slowing or stopping the growth of abnormal blood vessels.

    The procedure takes 10-30 minutes and may need multiple sessions. Some discomfort or mild vision changes (like temporary blurriness or reduced night vision) can occur.

    Laser Retinopexy

    Laser retinopexy is a laser procedure used to treat retinal tears or small detachments before they get worse.

    The retina (the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye) can sometimes develop tears or holes, often due to aging, trauma, or conditions like high myopia. If untreated, these tears can allow fluid to leak under the retina, leading to a retinal detachment, which can cause permanent vision loss.

    Laser retinopexy “seals” the tear by creating small burns around it using an Argo (Green or Blue-Green Wavelengths) laser, forming scar tissue that helps keep the retina in place.

    The procedure is quick (10-15 minutes) and usually painless (some may feel mild discomfort or flashes of light). The scar tissue takes about 1-2 weeks to fully form.

    Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)

    Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a laser treatment for open-angle glaucoma, a condition where fluid buildup in the eye causes high pressure, potentially damaging the optic nerve and leading to vision loss.

    The eye naturally drains fluid through the trabecular meshwork (a drainage system). In glaucoma, this drainage becomes inefficient, increasing intraocular pressure (IOP).

    A Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (YAG) laser is applied to the trabecular meshwork. The laser stimulates the body’s natural healing response, improving drainage without damaging tissue.