IRIDOTOMY
Iridotomy
The Neodymium-YAG laser is a type of laser based on photodisruption (rupture or cutting) of tissue. It allows for very precise uses and indications. The high power of this laser makes it possible to ionize tiny points of tissue, breaking their atoms and converting them into plasma (releasing a large amount of energy in a very short time without damaging the surrounding tissue). The laser is then carefully focused on the structure to be pierced within the eye, acting like a remote scalpel.
Laser iridotomy is a prophylactic procedure performed with a Yag laser to prevent acute glaucoma episodes. Its purpose is to open a passageway in the iris through which the pressures of the anterior and posterior chambers are balanced, preventing an increase in intraocular pressure that could cause damage to the optic nerve, the main cause of vision loss due to glaucoma. This laser procedure is considered quick and completely safe, and has therefore completely replaced traditional surgical iridectomy, which required opening the eyeball and partially removing the iris manually. It is used to treat angle-closure glaucoma and prevents increases in intraocular pressure in eyes predisposed to this problem.
CAPSULOTOMY
Capsulotomy
The Neodymium-YAG laser is a type of laser based on photodisruption (rupture or cutting) of tissue. It allows for very precise uses and indications. The high power of this laser makes it possible to ionize tiny points of tissue, breaking their atoms and converting them into plasma (releasing a large amount of energy in a very short time without damaging the surrounding tissue). The laser is then carefully focused on the structure to be pierced within the eye, acting like a remote scalpel.
Posterior capsulotomy is a laser surgery that you may need at some point after cataract surgery. It helps the patient see clearly if their vision becomes blurred again some time after surgery. The patient undergoes cataract surgery. The ophthalmologist removes the cloudy lens from the eye. This lens is replaced with an artificial, clear intraocular lens (IOL). The IOL is held in place in the eye's natural lens capsule. Weeks, months, or years later, this capsule may become cloudy or wrinkled, causing blurred vision. With posterior capsulotomy, a laser is used to make an opening in the cloudy capsule. This allows light to pass through again for clear vision.