YAG Laser treatments

YAG is a type of nano-pulsed laser that is commonly used in ophthalmic treatment. Strathfield Retina Clinic uses the Ellex Tango Reflex for YAG laser treatment.

YAG LASER VITREOLYSIS (LASER FLOATER REMOVAL)

YAG Vitreolysis can be used to effectively remove significantly symptomatic, persisting vitreous opacities causing “floaters” in select patients.

A careful examination of the retina and vitreous through a dilated pupil is absolutely essential following the onset of “floaters” because our retina specialists can determine if what people are seeing is harmless, or the symptom of a more serious problem requiring treatment. With YAG laser vitreolysis, we can offer these patients a highly effective, pain-free outpatient-based treatment, which can provide much needed relief from their floaters and potentially obviate, or at the least delay, the need for invasive surgery.

If you suffer from eye floaters, please discuss with our retina specialists who will be able to determine if this treatment is appropriate for you.

yag capsulotomy

This procedure is performed after cataract surgery for a small proportion of patients who develop what is called Posterior Capsule Opacification (PCO). If this occurs, the capsule holding the artificial lens in place thickens and becomes opaque or cloudy over time and stops light reaching the back of the eye. Similar to a camera lens becoming dirty and affecting image quality, patients who develop PCO may experience a blurring or haziness to their vision over time. YAG Laser Capsulotomy corrects this by focusing a laser beam at the centre of the capsule to create a hole, which then lets light through again.

If you are experiencing these symptoms after your cataract surgery, please discuss with our retina specialists who will be able to determine if this treatment is appropriate for you.

yag iridotomy

This procedure is performed for patients who have closed angle glaucoma, which causes increased eye pressure due to a build-up of fluid in the eye. Increased pressure in the eye can lead to optic nerve damage and possible vision loss. YAG Laser Iridotomy works by creating a small hole in the outer edge of the iris, which opens the angel and allows the fluid to drain properly and this lowers the pressure in the eye.

Our retina specialists will discuss if this treatment is appropriate for you.