Laser capsulotomy: One Stop Clinic
Information for patients from the Ophthalmology Department
You have been referred to the hospital for laser capsulotomy. This leaflet explains:
what laser capsulotomy is
what will happen in the One Stop Clinic
what the alternatives and risks are; and
how you will feel afterwards.
We hope this leaflet answers some of the questions you may have. If you have any further questions or concerns, please speak to a member of your healthcare team.
Why am I having laser capsulotomy?
Laser capsulotomy is for patients who have had cataract surgery. About 1 in 10 cataract patients can have a gradual reduction in their vision months or years following their cataract operation. This is caused by a membrane in their eye becoming cloudy over time.
What is laser capsulotomy?
Using a laser, this procedure creates an opening in the cloudy membrane, to restore vision. Treatment is usually successful, but we cannot guarantee your eyesight will improve.
Are there any alternatives?
No, currently laser treatment is the only option for this condition.
What will happen when I arrive at the hospital?
The procedure is carried out in the Ophthalmology Outpatient Department, by a member of the medical team.
A nurse or technician will check your vision. If you wear glasses, please bring these with you.
Drops to dilate your pupil will be put into one or both of your eyes. The drops will blur your vision for several hours, but should not be painful.
You may be asked to sign a consent form saying that you understand the risks and benefits of the procedure.
Why do I need to sign a consent form?
All patients must give permission before they receive any type of medical treatment, test, or examination. Consent is usually given when you sign the consent form before your treatment, but we may ask you to give it verbally.
You must give your consent voluntarily.
The hospital must give you all the information you need to make a decision about your treatment. This is so you can give us informed consent. If you have not been given this information, or you have but you still have questions, please speak to a member of staff.
You must be capable of giving consent. This means that you understand the information given to you and can make an informed decision.
When we ask you to give consent, please use this time to ask any questions you may still have. For more information, please go to the NHS Consent for Treatment web page. Remember, you can withdraw your consent for treatment at any time.
Will I have an anaesthetic?
The nurse or technician will give you anaesthetic, and sometimes pressure-lowering drops.
A contact lens may be placed on your eye to focus the laser beam and keep your eye open. This may cause a small amount of discomfort.
How long will I have to stay in hospital?
The procedure lasts approximately 10 minutes. During this time you will hear beeping noises and see bright lights.
You will need to allow some time either side of this procedure, so please allow up to three hours for your procedure.
Are there any risks to this procedure?
As with any procedure, laser treatment has risks. Serious complications are rare. The most serious or frequently occurring risks are listed below.
A brief rise in eye pressure.
Increased inflammation in the eye.
A decrease in central vision due to macula oedema. Macula oedema is water logging at the back of the eye due to leaky blood vessels.
Retinal detachment, where the light sensitive layer of the eye peels away.
The lens implanted during cataract surgery may have some pitting. This does not usually affect vision.
The lens implanted during cataract surgery may dislocate.
Infection can also occur, but is very rare.
If you want to discuss these risks in more detail, please speak to your doctor.
How will I feel after my procedure?
To start with, your vision will be blurred. This should slowly improve after a few hours. Sometimes this blurring will not improve until the next day.
You may have a few ‘floaters’ in your eye (like black spots). These should settle within the first 2 weeks following your procedure.
Will I need a follow-up appointment?
Some patients will need a follow-up appointment in an Outpatient clinic. The laser operator will tell you if you need another appointment before you leave hospital.
If you wear glasses, visit your optician two weeks after your laser treatment. The optician will decide whether your glasses need changing, due to changes to your vision.
Will I be able to drive after my procedure?
Due to the eye drops, you will not be able to drive or use a mobility scooter after your procedure.
Before the day of your treatment, arrange for someone to take you home afterwards. If you cannot make suitable transport arrangements, please let the department know before the day of your procedure.
If your vision has returned to normal, you can drive again the day after your procedure.
What if I feel pain later at home?
If you have any of the following symptoms, please contact your consultant’s secretary. The secretary's phone number is on your appointment letter. If necessary, you can contact your GP, optician, or Emergency Department.
A sudden increase or ‘shower’ of floaters.
A lot of flashes of light in your eye.
The feeling of something coming over your vision (like a curtain).
You feel pain or have any loss of vision for more than 24 hours.
Ask 3 Questions
There may be choices to make about your healthcare. Before making any decisions, make sure you get the answers to these three questions:
What are my choices?
What is good and bad about each choice?
How do I get support to help me make a decision that is right for me?
Your healthcare team needs you to tell them what is important to you. It’s all about shared decision making.
What do you think of this leaflet?
We welcome feedback, whether positive or negative, as it helps us to improve our care and services.
If you would like to give us feedback about this leaflet, please fill in our short online survey. Either scan the QR code below, or use the web link. We do not record your personal information, unless you provide contact details and would like to talk to us some more.
If you would rather talk to someone instead of filling in a survey, please call the Patient Voice Team.
Patient Voice Team
Telephone: 01227 868605
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