Other Laser Vision Procedures

We commonly perform three other laser procedures including YAG PC, YAG PI and SLT. Click on the links to scroll to that treatment. 

600+ 5-Star Patient Reviews:

Other Procedures 1
Other Procedures 2

YAG laser posterior capsulotomy (YAG PC)

When cataract or refractive lens exchange surgery is performed, in order to achieve the ideal optical result, the new lens implant is placed within the membrane, or capsule, which held your original natural, crystalline lens.

A circular aperture is created in the front of the capsule and the new lens inserted into that space. Modern lenses are designed to stick to the capsule which embryologically grew the lens in utero.

Even though the lens has now been removed, the capsule still produces lens cells and if these grow past the square edges of the lens implant they will coat the capsule behind the lens and reduce vision, much like the symptoms of early cataract.

This process is called posterior capsule opacification (PCO) and the likelihood of occurrence varies between eyes and lens types, overall, between 2 – 20% of capsules will opacify.

The treatment for PCO is YAG laser posterior capsulotomy (YAG PC). YAG stands for the medium in which laser light is created (Yttrium Aluminum Garnett).

It is a non-invasive, quick, safe, outpatient procedure and can be performed on both eyes at the same sitting if required.

YAG laser capsulotomy explained

Your YAG PC treatment explained

Other Procedures 3

Your visit to the outpatient department will last around 30 mins. We will dilate your pupil using drops. An anesthetic drop will numb your eye and a small contact lens may be placed on the surface of the eye so that you do not need to worry about blinking. You will hear the laser make a quiet sound with each pulse, the procedure typically taking a few minutes. We will provide you with a short course of drops to use afterwards.

FAQs

No. The laser is very low energy so you cannot feel each pulse, You will hear a sound with each pulse but you cannot see the laser.
No. It is possible to repeat a YAG PC but it is a rare occurrence.

Immediately, there are no restrictions on activities but you will be asked not to drive immediately after your appointment as your pupil will be dilated.

We will provide you with a short course of eyedrops, twice daily for 5 days following treatment.

Risks are very low as the procedure is non-invasive. You may see small dots or floaters immediately after treatment but your eye should be comfortable and vision clearer within a few hours. The following risks have been reported but are rare: macular oedema or swelling, damage to the lens implant or retinal tear.

YAG laser iridotomy (YAG PI)

YAG laser iridotomy (YAG PI) is a laser treatment to prevent angle closure glaucoma in eyes that are at risk from it.

YAG PI is a safe, non-invasive outpatient procedure and one eye at a time, or both eyes can be treated at the same sitting. 

YAG Angle Closure Glaucoma

Your YAG PI treatment explained

Your visit to the outpatient department will last around one and a half hours. We will constrict your pupil using drops. An anesthetic drop will numb your eye and a small contact lens will be placed on the surface of the eye so that you do not need to worry about blinking. You will hear the laser make a quiet sound with each pulse, the procedure typically taking a few minutes. You will be offered a refreshment, then asked to wait for an hour so that we can check the pressure of your eye provide you with a short course of drops to use afterwards.

FAQs

No, you will experience a sensation similar to a light pin-prick with each pulse with two PI’s typically made for each eye.
Typically no. Up to 10% of iridotomies can however, close with time so if you have not undergone cataract or RLE surgery the procedure may need to be repeated. As your eye may also be at risk from developing glaucoma, you should have regular eye check-ups.

Immediately, there are no restrictions on activities but you will be asked not to drive immediately after your appointment as your pupil will be dilated.

We will provide you with a short course of eyedrops, four daily for 7-14 days following treatment.
Risks of YAG PI are low as the energy transmitted is low and highly focused. The following risks however have been reported including: small bleeds from the iris, typically controlled by gentle pressure on the eye, inflammation, swelling or oedema of the macula, raised pressure in the eye and rarely noticing a light reflection at the periphery of vision.

Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)

Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a treatment to lower the pressure in your eye if you have ocular hypertension or open angle glaucoma. The laser treatment helps fluid to drain from the eye, which in turn lowers the pressure.

Some people respond better to the treatment than others. While the initial treatment may be successful, the pressure can rise again. If this happens the treatment can be repeated, but the results may not be as good as you experienced after the first treatment. You might need to continue with eye drop treatment as well and we may recommend other treatments including surgery if we’re not happy with the pressure.

Glaucoma SLT

Your SLT treatment explained

You will be given drops to make your pupil smaller and drops to numb the surface of your eye. David Anderson will then place a special contact lens onto your eye and aim the laser at the part of the eye where the fluid drains (known as the ‘trabecular meshwork’ in the angle between the iris and the cornea). Around 100 laser spots are then made to the trabecular meshwork, most patients don’t feel the treatment, but those that do usually describe the discomfort as mild. It takes about five minutes to treat one eye.

FAQs

Complications are rare but may include inflammation, temporary increase in eye pressure, blurred vision, headache and corneal oedema (clouding of the clear window at the front of the eye).

Your eyes will temporarily be dazzled by the treatment but your vision should improve in the next few hours. It may help to wear sunglasses to go home.

There is a chance you may get a headache during the first few hours, in which case you should take your usual painkiller. You may also need extra drops for a week or so after the treatment and we’ll advise you to continue with your usual glaucoma drops until your follow-up appointment.

Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty

Argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT) is also a procedure designed to lower the pressure inside the eye if you have ocular hypertension or glaucoma. ALT has largely been superseded by SLT – see above and we no longer offer this treatment.

Glaucoma ALT

Excellent 5-Star Reviews

Gill
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty SLT
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Having suffered from glaucoma for a number of years, which was no longer being controlled by drops, and after having had SLT fully explained to me by David Anderson, I decided to go ahead with this treatment. This proved to be a painless procedure which probably took in the region of 15/20 minutes. Everything was explained as it was happening so I knew exactly what to expect. The whole team were extremely professional and caring. I would have no hesitation in recommending both SLT and the Laser Vision Eye Centre. And the pressures in both eyes dropped.
Peter
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty SLT
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The pressure in my left eye was too high and was not being controlled by the two lots of drops prescribed. David suggested Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty SLT. We went ahead. At the hospital drops were inserted and after a short period David carried out the procedure. There was no pain, no weird sensation just a matter of keeping as still as possible whilst David used the laser. It probably took less than 10 minutes and afterwards I went for a cup of tea. The pressure has dropped so it's a great result.
Mrs D
Recent Yag laser procedure
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I chose to have a minor laser procedure carried out by David Anderson at the Laser Vision Eye Centre recently. Everything went smoothly and very efficiently. I had cataract operations carried out by David Anderson several years ago and although I live in Cardiff I would always trust David on any procedure that involves treatment on my eyes. He has a very pleasant and reassuring manner. I also found the nurses and staff very helpful and efficient.
Richard
Painless and Effective
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The treatment was painless and effective. Mr Anderson has a most reassuring manner. He does not rush the treatment.
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