cateract surgery

how many yag surgeries can you have?...i had cateracts removed, then i had scar tissue and they zapped both of them .....now im getting it back again on one eye ...can i get it zapped again......and will i have to have my retinal tears checked before they can do it again

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

Usually a yag capsulotomy is only done once.  Rarely the original opening may be enlarged in some select cases if the patient notices the edges of the treatment.  If you vision is reduced, it is most likely a different problem so please make sure you are completely evaluated.  If you ever did have to have another yag capusulomy (very rare) then, yes, you would need to have a very careful retinal exam before and after to make sure the retina is intact and safe.

MJK MD

[Sandy Feldman, MD, MS]

Dear missy32666,

Once in a while, the membrane behind the implant will once again obscure vision.  It can be opened again with a YAG.  If you have had retinal tears, I would recommend that you get it checked again before and after the procedure.

Dr. Feldman

Sandy T. Feldman, M.D., M.S.
ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center
San Diego, California