You can have NHS YAG laser capsulotomy with us here at Newmedica. Read on to learn more about NHS treatment and whether it's right for you.
NHS YAG laser capsulotomy treatment is a quick, painless procedure used to treat a common complication of cataract surgery called posterior capsular opacification (PCO), sometimes referred to as a ‘secondary cataract’. PCO usually develops gradually, months or years after cataract surgery has been performed. After cataract surgery, the artificial lens sits in a clear membrane known as the lens capsule. Over time, this capsule can thicken and become cloudy, making your vision appear frosty or blurry. Around one in five people develop PCO after cataract surgery.
During NHS YAG laser capsulotomy, a laser is used to create a tiny opening in the cloudy capsule to let light through again, helping to restore clearer vision. When carried out on the NHS, treatment costs are fully covered by the NHS. NHS YAG laser capsulotomy is typically performed in an NHS hospital or an NHS-contracted clinic, and patients require a referral from their optometrist or GP before being assessed for treatment.
To access YAG laser capsulotomy on the NHS, you’ll need to be referred by a GP or optometrist. To be eligible for the procedure, you must have developed posterior capsular opacification following cataract surgery. NHS treatment is offered when PCO significantly impacts your vision or your ability to carry out daily activities.
An NHS ophthalmology service will carry out a comprehensive eye assessment to confirm the presence of posterior capsule opacification (PCO). This may include discussing your symptoms, checking intraocular pressure, measuring visual acuity, and examining your eye. You will usually only be referred for YAG laser capsulotomy if your vision is significantly affected or interfering with your lifestyle.
Your specialist will explain the procedure, going over what it involves and any potential side effects and risks. You’ll have the chance to ask any questions and discuss any concerns you have.
Dilating eye drops will be applied to your eye to prepare it for the procedure. You’ll sit at a laser machine and be asked to rest your chin on a support. You may be given anaesthetic eye drops, which allow a special contact lens to be put on the front surface of your eye. The laser then creates a very small opening in the capsule. Don’t worry, you won’t feel a thing, as the procedure doesn’t involve injections or incisions. Altogether, the whole process takes a few minutes.
The dilating eye drops applied to your eyes before the procedure can make your vision quite blurry and sensitive to light, so you won’t be able to drive straight away, and it’s best to arrange for someone to take you home afterwards. Your vision may be blurry for a few hours following the procedure, but many people notice clearer vision by the next day (although this can depend on how cloudy your vision was beforehand).
There aren’t usually any physical restrictions following the procedure, so you can continue to carry out your normal day-to-day activities. If you would like to see your community optician for an up-to-date eye test, you should wait at least one week after having a YAG laser capsulotomy before doing so.
NHS patients have the legal right to choose who provides their care. If you’re on an NHS waiting list, you can also ask to be treated sooner at a different clinic, such as with us at Newmedica.
The most obvious benefit of having a YAG laser capsulotomy is that it will improve your vision. You won’t need to have this procedure again, as one YAG laser treatment is usually all it takes to restore normal vision.
Clearer vision following YAG laser capsulotomy can make it easier to carry out everyday activities such as reading, driving, and working. As well as clearer vision, having the procedure also means other symptoms of PCO, such as glare or halos around lights and increased light sensitivity, will improve, increasing quality of life.
Although vision may be blurry for a few hours, many people notice an improvement in their vision by the next day. Most patients resume their normal day-to-day activities shortly after the procedure (apart from driving if vision is still blurred).
Blurred vision (many people notice clearer vision by the next day).
Seeing floaters in your vision (these are usually mild and often subside with time).
Mild discomfort, such as irritation and scratchiness.
NHS YAG laser capsulotomy is a well-established and very safe procedure. Complications are rare, but all procedures carry some risks. Your specialist will go over these and answer any questions you have before the procedure.
Once you have been referred by a GP or optometrist, you will be assessed to confirm suitability for YAG laser capsulotomy. If approved for treatment, you will be added to an NHS waiting list. NHS waiting times vary depending on a number of factors, such as capacity and demand. While on an NHS waiting list, you can also ask to be treated sooner at a different clinic if you’d like, such as with us at Newmedica.
At Newmedica, we offer shorter waiting times and provide high quality care in welcoming, modern clinics across the UK.
At Newmedica, we offer specialist eye care that focuses on protecting people’s sight through treating advanced eye conditions. Our modern clinics, in convenient locations across England, are designed to provide a calm and comfortable atmosphere, all with the latest facilities and equipment. Our friendly team are dedicated to providing personalised patient eye care, provided to the highest standard. We will always take the time to answer all your questions and ensure you stay informed every step of the way.
You’ll be entitled to NHS-funded treatment with us at Newmedica if you usually (and lawfully) live in England, which means you’re known as 'ordinarily resident'. If your GP or optometrist suspects or diagnoses you with an eye condition, they’ll explain treatment options and where you can choose to receive your treatment. If you’d like to choose Newmedica for your treatment, just let them know, and they’ll make all the necessary arrangements for your referral.
I can’t fault the service at Newmedica. It was amazing. Everyone was so helpful, the surgery was so quick and efficient.
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‘I love cooking, and now I can actually see what I’m doing in the kitchen again. Suddenly I’m able to cook my older recipes with the family.
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I had a first-class experience and can’t praise the team enough. I have worn glasses for a long time but my sight is so clear and sharp.
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