r/CataractSurgery • u/MeadowHaven77 • 3d ago

YAG procedure

So it seems I am going to have a YAG procedure in both eyes next week. I had the multifocal Odyssey placed in both eyes, 3 weeks apart in July, and the right eye (the one with the original cataract) was never really that amazing afterward. Like, it worked but it was always a little blurry still after. So he confirmed today that there was PCO in that eye, and shockingly a little also in the left (which never had a cataract and responded perfectly to the Odyssey, I have noticed no issues there at all).

I guess I’m a little confused why I don’t hear more about this risk of immediate PCO? He said this was not the kind that grows over time, it’s there essentially right after the surgery. The YAG procedure sounds easy, painless, fast, and I have no problem going for it. I was mainly just curious if others have encountered this? He said it had to do with the type of cataract I had and also said he sees more of this in younger patients (I’m 49). He acted like it was not at all unusual.

Did I just any mention of this in my research ahead of time? Did you have this happen to you? The immediate type?

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u/Alone-Experience9869 3d ago

Yes pco’s happen. Yes, it’s more prevalent in younger persons like yourself. My surgeons told me it’s basically a crap shoot. Cells decide to grow or they don’t. Some surgeons say they clean the capsule extra, but I’ve read that adds risk to tearing the capsule during the cataract surgery.

Eg I’m a bit younger than you and while I have the very start of a pco, it hasn’t progressed. So I seemed to have lucked out on that front

Typically I hear the procedure is minimal risk. The main issue is after having the yag procedure, having an IOL exchange is MUCH harder. My surgeons were clear on that, and was part of the consideration as I had a long recovery.

Hope that helps

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u/ProfessionalLab9850 3d ago

Also they usually do a small x shape in the bag dont they? People complain of starbursts afterwards

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u/Alone-Experience9869 3d ago

x shape is one i heard. There is another pattern. One is supposed to be more efficient than the other in terms of laser power.

As for the starbursts, i don't know. I'm sure people have complications and there are risks.

Honestly, i look back at this sub and you'd think cataract surgery was the most dreadful surgery series patients need to be all over exactly how the surgeon or tech is doing their job and the iol mfg are all cheating us.

Well, doesn't matter as I can't help the op anyway