Yag Capsulotomy Timing

by John R Martinelli MD OD FAAO

Oct 28, 2024

Connect

Do you know why & when it's best to pull the trigger?...

Determining the optimal timing for a YAG capsulotomy following cataract surgery requires understanding several factors to ensure safety and quality outcomes.

Considerations include complete resolution of post-operative inflammation, position and stability of the IOL, as well as additional various risk factors.

It is generally accepted waiting until the blood-aqueous barrier has fully reestablished, which typically occurs within 6 to 12 weeks post-surgery. Performing the procedure too early may increase the risk of complications such as retinal tears or detachment, particularly in younger patients or those without posterior vitreous detachment. Additionally, premature intervention could lead to rebound inflammation or corneal endothelial damage.

Ultimately, the decision should be based on our patient's visual function and individual risk factors, ensuring the safest and most effective approach.

-JRM

Read the article in Review of Ophthalmology:

GO TO ARTICLE

Labs & Imaging For Primary Eye Care Course

Downloadable Book & Companion Course
Innovative "Go At Your Own Pace" Format
2 CE's & Instant Certificate
Med-Eye Minute QAM Newsletter
Powerful Learning Platform & VCA Community

GO TO COURSE

HAVE A COURSE OR IDEA FOR A COURSE?

JOIN THE VIRTUAL COURSE ACADEMY!

READ THE BOOK SERIES ON AMAZON

GO TO AMAZON

Responses

Join the conversation

t("newsletters.loading")

Herpes Simplex Keratitis

Do You Know The Trigger?... Recents findings studying herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) keratitis may give us greater insight when we manage these individuals in daily practice. At least in this study (porcine), it appears HSV-1 infectious keratitis is primarily restricted to the corneal epithelium and likely triggered via epithelial defects or abrasion - not penetrating basement membran...

Nystagmus In Daily Practice

Do You Know Where To Start?... Whether congenital or acquired, nystagmus can be a difficult to understand and often mysterious complex ocular movement disorder. It is characterized by involuntary rhythmic eye movements, negatively impacting visual function and therefore quality of life. In daily practice, our approach to uncover an etiologic source often involves a combination of high-reso...

Implantable IOP Sensors vs Tonometry

Will This Change How You Manage Glaucoma?... Intraocular pressure (IOP) is usually our primary concern in managing glaucoma - assuming we also understand and always consider additional pathophysiologic dynamics in glaucomatous optic neuropathy. For example, factors involved in glaucomatous progression despite "target IOP" and/or with Normal Tension Glaucoma (NTG). However, also knowing IOP is...