My Experience with YAG Laser Procedure

I mentioned earlier this month that I received a new prescription for my eyeglasses and the prescription had changed. The new prescription is higher than the one I received last year so I asked the ophthalmologist (cornea specialist) why it changed and he said it was because it took time for my vision to settle after cataract surgery though I found it odd that my vision was at -15 three months after surgery then -18 a year later.

I recalled what a Resident doctor told me during my last visit, that a growth, referred to as a "secondary membrane," had formed over the implanted lens so I contacted the clinic and asked if that was the reason my vision had changed. I was told it was unlikely the cause but asked if I was having issues with the new prescription. At that time I hadn't received the new eyeglasses but when I did receive them, something didn't seem quite right with the left lens. I believed that the prescription was too high which I reported to the ophthalmologist and offered to give me another eye exam. During the next exam the results were pretty much the same.

Image credit: by 74images

YAG Laser

During the same visit, the ophthalmologist and I discussed me having posterior capsulotomy treatment (YAG laser surgery) to remove the membrane behind the intraocular lens and thought maybe it would help but not by very much. I asked what needed to be done and if there were any risks. He explained the procedure and told me it would take place in the clinic and that I could receive the treatment that day then return in a couple of weeks for another refraction.

I agreed to the procedure, my eyes were dilated and I sat in front of the machine while the doctor zapped a red light (laser) into my eye. The procedure took no more than 10 minutes. Afterward I had to stay in the clinic for about 30 minutes to ensure that I didn't have any side effects such as raised eye pressure or inflammation. I didn't experience any issues but I did end up having a headache and a lot of stringy floaters.

I returned to the clinic two weeks later for another refraction and the results were pretty much the same. It was really disappointing as well as frustrating because I can't see clearly out of my glasses. I don't understand it. The ophthalmologist suggested that I consider gas permeable contact lenses because they might give me better vision than eyeglasses. So, I guess I'll get new contacts in hopes they will help improve my vision.

Update:

I guess my vision is still changing because I am able to see a little better with the new glasses or maybe my eye have adjusted. And as before most of my vision comes from my right eye. It could