- YAG Laser (Yttrium-Aluminum-Garnet Laser) is used in the postsurgical treatment of cataract-removal patients. After extracapsular cataract surgery, many patients experience opacification of the cataract capsule left behind in the eye. The YAG laser is used to create an opening in the capsule to restore vision. The physician forces the laser to a fine point on the capsule and releases a series of 500,000 watt explosions of energy that destroy the capsular matter. Because the laser can be so minutely focused, the physician can aim the beam accurately and avoid surrounding tissue or an intraocular lens resting on the opaque capsule. The procedure is quick and painless and is most often performed without local anesthesia. The patient is able to walk or drive home after treatment. The YAG laser is unique in its ability to perform this procedure because. Unlike other lasers, it is not dependent on pigmented tissue to be effective. The argon and other lasers depend on such pigment as that found in the iris or in blood flowing through the vessels in the tissue. The pigmented tissue absorbs the energy from the argon laser and is destroyed. However, cataracts or their remaining capsules contain no pigmentation and are immune to the power of the argon laser. In the past, when the postoperative vision declined because of this clouding of the capsule, a second surgery, a posterior capsulectomy, was necessary to restore good vision. The YAG approach is viewed as a safer, quicker procedure with fewer possible complications.
