The Yag Peripheral Iridotomy (Yag PI) is a laser procedure used to treat a condition called narrow angles. The eye produces fluid that helps inflate and maintain the shape of the eye, and this fluid is also drained at a constant rate to ensure that eye pressure remains stable. However in some cases, the drain in the eye begins to close up, which leads to narrow angles and elevation of the pressures in the eye. The Yag PI can help prevent angle closure in the eye so that eye pressures do not build.
The Yag PI uses a laser beam that forms a minuscule hole in the iris that serves as an alternative channel through which the fluid can be drained from the eye. The entire process lasts about an hour and a half, the majority of time being used to prepare your eye for the laser. Prior to the laser procedure, you will be administered eyedrops to prepare your eye, and these eyedrops need about 45-60 minutes to take effect completely. You will then be given a topical anesthetic eye drop to numb your eye. The laser procedure itself only takes 2-3 minutes, and you will not experience much pain or discomfort during the process. Following the laser, you will be prescribed two sets of eye drops which you will need to use for several days after the laser treatment. You will be allowed to drive yourself home the very same day, and you will need to return in a couple weeks for a follow-up to observe the pressures in your eyes.
The Yag Posterior Capsulotomy (Yag Cap) is a laser procedure used to treat opacification of the posterior capsule after undergoing cataract surgery. In some cases, the capsule surrounding the intraocular lens implantation begins to form a haze, leading to cloudy or blurry vision, or the appearance of glare at night time.
The Yag Cap laser forms a clear opening in the center of the clouded capsule, allowing your vision to sharpen once again. The entire process lasts about an hour, the majority of time being used to prepare your eye for the laser. Prior to the laser procedure, you will be administered dilating eye drops to prepare your eye, and these eyedrops need about 30-40 minutes to take effect completely. The laser procedure itself only takes 2-3 minutes, and you will not experience much pain or discomfort during the process. Following the laser, you will be prescribed one set of eyedrops which you will need to use for several days after the laser treatment. You will be allowed to drive yourself home the very same day, and you will need to return in a couple weeks for a follow-up to observe the improvement in your vision.
The Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty (ALT) is a laser procedure used to treat primary open-angle glaucoma. In primary open-angle glaucoma, fluid in the eye causes eye pressure to slowly rise, and this elevation in pressure can cause strain on the optic nerve. Too much strain can eventually damage the nerve, and if left untreated this damage has the potential to lead to blindness.
The ALT laser helps to open up channels in the eye to allow the fluid to drain better, which in turn can lead to a decrease in eye pressure. The entire process lasts about an hour and a half, the majority of time being used to prepare your eye for the laser. Prior to the laser procedure, you will be administered dilating eye drops to prepare your eye, and these eyedrops need about 45-60 minutes to take effect completely. You will then be given a topical anesthetic eye drop to numb your eye. The laser procedure itself only takes 2-3 minutes, and you will not experience much pain or discomfort during the process.
