YAG laser capsulotomy in Southampton

The YAG laser capsulotomy provided by Dr Olubunmi Ogunleye is a simple, low-risk procedure that is used to clear the vision again for patients that have a build-up of cloudy material on the membrane behind the implant following cataract surgery.

A YAG laser capsulotomy is medical procedure used to treat a condition called posterior capsule opacification (PCO), which can occur following cataract surgery. During cataract surgery, the natural lens of the eye is removed, and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). Over time, the thin membrane that supports the IOL may become cloudy, causing vision problems similar to those experienced with cataracts.

With a YAG laser capsulotomy, provided by Dr Olubunmi Ogunleye, a YAG (yttrium-aluminium-garnet) laser is used to create an opening in the cloudy posterior capsule. This opening allows light to pass through the lens, restoring clear vision. 

The advantages of a YAG laser capsulotomy are as follows:

• Enhanced vision: regaining clear vision by establishing a small opening in the cloudy lens capsule.
• Fast and painless: the procedure can be performed in an outpatient setting, thanks to the use of numbing eye drops.
• Short recovery period: following the procedure, the majority of patients can resume their regular activities. 

As with all surgical procedures, there are some risks associated:

• Appearance of floaters: it is relatively common for patients to see new floaters in their visual field following the procedure. These will usually diminish over time.
• Increased intraocular pressure: YAG laser capsulotomy may lead to increased intraocular pressure in some instances. This is usually manageable with with the use of eye drops.
• Inflammation or swelling: mild inflammation or swelling may occur following the procedure. Prescription medicines are generally effective in resolving this.
• Cystoid macular oedema (CMO): an uncommon complication is the development of CMO, which can result in blurred or distorted vision. Medication can address this in most cases.
• Risk of retinal detachment: Although uncommon, there is a slight risk of retinal detachment associated with any intraocular procedure. 

Before the procedure, you should continue taking any medications you regularly take, refrain from using eye makeup, arrange transport for after the procedure, your vision may temporarily be affected.

The procedure itself is short, but you should expect to be in the clinic for around two hours. 

Upon arrival at the clinic, you will have a vision assessment, and given eye drops which cause the pupils to dilate. 

You will be taken into the laser room, where you will sit at the machine with a chin and headrest. You will be given anaesthetic eye drops, and a special contact lens.
The laser treatment will then begin, and will only last a few minutes. You will see some flashing lights, and hear a clicking sound. The procedure is painless. 

The procedure is performed in the Alpha Sight clinic, in Southampton.

Following the procedure, blurring of your vision is expected for a few hours, primarily caused by the eye drops used to dilate the pupils for the procedure. 

To safeguard against potential inflammation or a temporary increase in pressure, you may receive a prescription for eye drops or medication.

A follow-up apppointment is not usually necessary following the procedure, however, if you experience any unexpected side-effects, you can call the clinic.

The procedure usually costs £705 per eye or £1100 for both eyes. This fee includes the consultation fee, as well as the cost of the procedure. 

For the months of November and December 2023, a discount will be applied with the new fee:

£400 per eye or £650 for both eyes

£200 consultation fee payable up front, with the remaining balance to be paid in the clinic.

If you are ineligible for the treatment, you will only be charged the £200 consultation fee following consultation with Dr Ogunleye.