YAG LASER
The YAG-Neodynium
LASER is a modem miracle! Its usefulness is just now being explored..
Its potential is unlimited. The YAG delivers extremely high intensity
energy in very
small packages
lasting only a millionth of a second. This energy can be focused,
measured and delivered easily through a slit lamp. Helium LASER
is used to focus the beam and a foot switch is hit to deliver
the energy. One or several bursts can be shot at the same time,
thereby increasing the energy delivered.
This LASER Literally tears atoms apart. It creates a new form
of matter, called 'plasma", that lasts only an instant-then
sends shock waves throughout the tissue absorbing the energy.
Pigmented tissue is not needed as is the case with the Argon
LASER. Currently the main uses for the YAG LASER are:
Posterior
Capsulotomy:
After cataract surgery,
the posterior capsule
becomes cloudy
in 20 to 50% of patients. This causes glare and a return of blurry
vision It usually takes several months or years for this to take
place. The YAG saves us from having to go back into the eye with
instruments and risk the chance of infection and other potential
hazards. In just a few seconds. the YAG LASER opens the posterior
capsule, leaving a clear visual axis.
Complications are few. Occasionally a rise in intraocular pressure
is seen a few hours after the procedure; therefore, all patients
must be checked at that time. If focusing is not perfect, the
intraocular lens implanted during cataract surgery can be damaged
by pitting or cracking. But these small defects virtually NEVER
disturb vision.
Iridotomy: This creates a hole in the iris and is
used for acute angle closure glaucoma. In one millionth of a
second, the job is done. Sometimes bleeding is seen at the site
of the iridotomy, but this is usually not a serious problem.
Lysis
of Vitreous Bands: Sometimes vitreous (the jelly-like substance within
the large central cavity of the eye) is caught in the wound after
cataract surgery. This may cause swelling in the retina with
resultant poor vision. The release of these tension strands through
use of the YAG produces a dramatic improvement in vision in many
patients.
Glaucoma
and Filtering Procedures: By creating a new opening or channel in the eye
to drain the fluid with the YAG LASER intraocular pressure can
be lowered. This procedure is still in the developmental stages.
Other: The YAG LASER can cut
bands, incise intraocular lens loops prior to removal, cut vitreous
adhesions, and clean
off debris from intraocular lenses. |
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