Is it safe to have YAG while you have PVD? It’s been 5 months since the PVD started.
The YAG laser used during a posterior capsulotomy poses no risk to the vitreous inside the eye or its age-related detachment process if already underway. However, YAG capsulotomy does carry a low but real risk of retinal tear (average risk is less than 1%) and this risk is greatest if the PVD (posterior vitreous detachment) is in process or has recently occurred.
Based on recent research it is typically recommended that you wait at least 6 months following a complete PVD before proceeding with YAG capsulotomy to decrease the risk of retinal tear and detachment. There may be special circumstances affecting the timing of your procedure so please discuss this question with your eye surgeon.
Our ophthalmologists have answered thousands of questions about eye diseases and conditions. Search our entire Ask an Ophthalmologist collection to find the answers you need.Read our important medical disclaimer.You can also browse by topic to see how physicians answered questions about a specific eye condition:
Ask a New Question
Not every question will receive a direct response from an ophthalmologist. However, we will follow up with suggested ways to find appropriate information related to your question. Medical disclaimer
By submitting your question, you agree to be answered by email. Your email address will only be used to answer your question unless you are an Academy member or are subscribed to Academy newsletters.
Get ophthalmologist-reviewed tips and information about eye health and preserving your vision.
All content on the Academy’s website is protected by copyright law and the Terms of Service. This content may not be reproduced, copied, or put into any artificial intelligence program, including large language and generative AI models, without permission from the Academy.