Floaters after Capsulotomy: What You Need to Know
Hello, everyone! This is Mário Bulla. Welcome to Retina e Vítreo, the most comprehensive retina channel on YouTube. Today we're going to talk about a very common and relevant topic: floaters after the capsulotomy procedure.
What is Capsulotomy?
Capsulotomy is a laser procedure, known as yag laser, performed to clean the intraocular lens after cataract surgery. To understand this better, let's briefly review cataract surgery.
Cataracts occur when the lens of the eye, our natural lens, becomes opaque, preventing light from passing correctly into the eye. During cataract surgery, the opaque lens is removed and replaced with an intraocular lens.
Why Perform Capsulotomy?
After cataract surgery, the posterior capsule of the lens, where the intraocular lens rests, can become opaque over time. This can cause symptoms similar to those of the original cataract, such as blurred vision. A yag laser capsulotomy is indicated to remove this opacity, improving the patient's vision.
Symptoms of floaters
After capsulotomy, it is common for patients to report the presence of "floaters", which are small spots or dots that seem to float in the field of vision. This is because fragments of the posterior capsule can fall into the vitreous cavity and float in the vitreous gel of the eye.
What to Expect After Capsulotomy?
In the first few days after the procedure, it is normal and expected for the patient to see these floaters. They are usually the remnants of the posterior capsule. However, it is important to monitor vision recovery and check that there are no complications.
Possible Complications
Although rare, retinal detachment can occur after capsulotomy. This is because the laser shot can release energy into the eye, affecting the vitreous gel that is in contact with the retina. Vitreous detachment is a natural process that can occur with age, but factors such as cataract surgery or capsulotomy can accelerate this process.
When should I see an ophthalmologist?
If you notice the appearance of floaters, especially if it is sudden, it is essential to consult an ophthalmologist. The detachment of the vitreous can lead to a rupture or tear in the retina, which can trigger a retinal detachment, a serious condition that requires immediate attention.
Other causes of floaters
In addition to capsulotomy, other conditions can cause floaters, such as:
*Uveitis:* Inflammation inside the eye, such as that caused by toxoplasmosis.
*Diabetes:* Can lead to vitreous hemorrhages due to the growth of new blood vessels.
Trauma:** Any eye trauma can result in bleeding inside the vitreous.
Conclusion
If you've had a capsulotomy and are seeing floaters, don't panic, but see an ophthalmologist to make sure everything is OK. It's important to understand that although capsulotomy is a safe and effective procedure, like any medical procedure, it can have its complications.
If you have any more questions on this subject, leave a comment below. Don't forget to like, subscribe to and share this video. See you in the next video on the Retina and Vitreous channel!
This video and its comments are not a substitute for a doctor's consultation and are for educational purposes only. They should not be used to make decisions, for which a face-to-face consultation with a specialist doctor is necessary.
Author:
Dr. Mário César Bulla
Cremers 28120
Ophthalmologist - Retinologist
www.clinicabulla.com.br
www.especialistaemretina.com.br
Instagram: @retina.bulla
Video URL: • Mosca volante após capsulotomia com Y...
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0:00 Floaters after capsulotomy with YAG laser.
0:50 What is cataract?
1:39 What is cataract surgery like?
2:35 What is YAG laser capsulotomy?
