YAG laser fear

Posted by Michael on August 03, 1999 at 16:25:58
Is it true that sometimes a posterior capsule can become cloudy a few days after cataract surgery with the latest generation IOLS?  If so, is it pretty much for certain if a person needs an explant after the 3 mm hole(from the YAG) is open to the vitreous that the person will have retinal problems from that day forward? Is it possible the vitreous might stay put?

Posted by hfhs md ke on August 03, 1999 at 19:13:45
are u asking if it is possible that u need a yag laser 3 days after cataract surgery???  yes it is possible but highly unusual. i feel that it would be best for any additional laser work to wait at least a few weeks after your cataract surgery so the eye can quiet down in terms of inflammation.discuss this with your surgeon. that being said, a yag laser is a relatively very safe procedure and the odds are overwhelming that u will do fine, including your retina.   good luck.

Posted by Michael on August 04, 1999 at 11:28:22
I was more interested in the odds of a vitrectomy being needed if they have to go back in to explant AFTER the YAG procedure.  Is it likely the vitreous might stay put? I know sometimes the truth is hard to face.
I am sincere in my question.  The thrust of what I am interested in is that my doctor & me have narrowed the IOL selection of my near future bilateral implant to one of 2 IOLs.  One IOL is supposedly less likely to cause PCO.  The other IOL is multifocal which I have my heart set on.  Even though I have my heart set on the multifocal the stewardship part of me says "do not put your eyes at greater risk for things like vitrectomy etc".
It is so much easier to give sweet talk than to sometimes face the facts and answer both parts of the question.
I'm thinking that within 10 years I will probably need the YAG anyway because of my young age(47) & therefore the YAG should not be my main concern.  
Posted by hfhs md ke on August 05, 1999 at 23:07:57
the odds are very small that u will need an explantation after a yag  i assume u are considering having a plate lens put in  if u want to make the odds smaller ask for a 3 piece lens to be put in-  if they do need to go in u will need a vitrectomy