A cataract is a clouding or opacification of the human lens of the eye.
However, cataracts can occur for other reasons other than aging.
An infant can be born with a congenital cataract.
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Also, trauma to the eye can cause a traumatic cataract.
Some medications, such as prednisone, a corticosteroid, can cause cataracts.
Finally, some medical conditions such as diabetes can put one at risk of developing early cataracts.
Cataracts make your visual field appear fuzzy or blurry.
Causes
A cataract affects thelensof the eye.
The lens is located behind the iris.
It is responsible for focusing light on the retina, and for producing clear, sharp images.
The entire lens is contained within a lens capsule.
Although not a true cataract, it is often referred to as a “secondary cataract.”
This secondary cataract is quite common in patients that have had cataract surgery.
The cloudiness can develop shortly after cataract surgery or many years after cataract surgery.
The Procedure
YAG laser posterior capsulotomy is an outpatient procedure that does not require anesthesia.
The procedure is painless and only takes between 5 and 10 minutes.
Some patients see small spots or floaters after the procedure.
In some cases, people are placed on an anti-inflammatory eye drop for approximately a week.
Most doctors will do a follow-up visit in about a week or two.
At this visit, the area that was lasered will be checked.
The doctor will also perform arefractionand update glasses if needed.
Once a YAG laser procedure is performed, the haziness or cloudiness usually does not return.
In most cases, once a YAG laser procedure is performed, vision is stable for quite some time.
Centers of Disease Control and Prevention.Common Eye Disorders.
American Academy of Ophthalmology.Cataract Surgery.
American Academy of Ophthalmology.What Is a Posterior Capsulotomy?
