See Secondary Cataract

A posterior capsulotomy is a short 5-minute laser procedure completed for patients with secondary cataract. It is completed using a YAG laser, a special type of laser that has now been used in the medical field for years.

The procedure is done as an outpatient. The only anesthesia that is needed are some eye drops. Once these eye drops are applied, a special contact lens allows precision focusing of the YAG laser. Once the four micron thick capsule has been targeted, it can be safely cleaned and cleared away using the laser delivery mechanism. Once the dilation drops have worn off after three to four hours, in improvement in vision is often immediately appreciated. However, an increase in floaters might be noticed for a few weeks.

Following the procedure, the patient does not have any restrictions on activities and/or diet. The eye is not patched and usually is not red. Eye drops will need to be used for about 1 week before the patient is seen in the office for follow-up.