YAG treatment

[willow1020]

Does YAG treatment put the retina at risk?  I am learning to play the saxaphone and wonder if the pressure created from playing this instrument is harmful to the eyes.  Sounds like a strange question but when I had a breathing test the technician asked if I had recent surgery or eye problems because of the exertion.  

[willow1020]

Thank you Dr. Feldman.  I did ask the opthamologist of this treatment was necessary and if it compromised the retina and he said the cloudiness would get worse and it wouldn't affect the retina.  However, I do trust him and will follow through but I am reducing the saxaphone for a while at least.  Your input is most helpful.  Willow

[Sandy Feldman, MD, MS]

Dear willow1020,

There are many potential complications of undergoing a YAG laser treatment such as increased intraocular pressure, swelling of the area of one’s best sight known as the macula and/or retinal detachment.  Playing the saxophone may increase the intraocular pressure in the eye which over one’s lifetime, may influence whether one develops some changes associated with glaucoma.  The exact relation of playing wind instruments and eye disease is not known.

Dr. Feldman

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