Before the procedure
The procedure is carried out in a specially equipped laser room. There is no need for a special surgical setup. The procedure is carried out on an outpatient basis.
First, the nurse will check your near and distance vision. So, you must bring your glasses with you if you have been using them.
After you are comfortably settled, your eye will be numbed with an eye drop. After a few minutes, your doctor will then apply another eye drop to dilate your pupil.
A contact lens will then be placed on your eye to focus the laser beam on the target (posterior capsule). The contact lens will also help keep your eyelids separated so that you will not blink. Also, it prevents small movements of your eye. A gel-like substance will be placed on the surface of your eye to protect them.
During the procedure
During the procedure, you will be asked to place your chin on the frame of the laser machine, which has a chin rest and handles for you to hold on to. The ophthalmologist will use a bright light to illuminate your eyes.
Next, you will hear a clicking noise, which is the noise of a laser machine being fired. You will not feel any pain but just some vibrations.
The laser makes small holes in the posterior capsule. The small holes join to form an opening in the capsule.
You must keep your eyes and head still during the treatment. However, should you need to move your head or eye, you should inform the doctor first.
The procedure will take just minutes to complete. But, you will need some time to prepare for the procedure, and you will also need time for aftercare. So, you can expect to be in the eye clinic for about 2 hours.
After the procedure
After the procedure, your vision will appear temporarily obscured due to the bright light released from the laser machine. Usually, normal vision will begin to return after 5 to 10 minutes in a series of colors but will remain blurred for 4 to 6 hours due to the effect of dilating eye drops.