YAG Laser - Yttrium Aluminum Garnet

The YAG (yttrium aluminum garnet) laser produces infrared light impulses which create tiny openings in the targeted tissue through photo disruption. These short bursts of energy are used to treat the cloudy capsule and the iris, and some retinal problems in the back of the eye.

The procedure used to clear this cloudy vision is called a Posterior Capsulotomy or Laser Posterior Capsulotomy. Dr. Stamm introduced this procedure to the Erie area in 1983. He was one of the first 30 surgeons in the United States to use this procedure. Dr. Stamm was one of the 30 approved clinical investigators for the FDA to study this procedure.

 

With a YAG laser capsulotomy the patient sits in a chair with their head in a support that looks just like a regular eye examination station. The doctor focuses the YAG laser onto the cloudy posterior capsule using a special aiming beam.

As the laser is activated, a click may be heard. Multiple applications of the laser are usually required to create a new window in the cloudy capsule. The procedure only takes a few minutes, and the patient is able to leave shortly after completion. There is no discomfort associated with this procedure, as it is only a procedure using light. Good vision returns quickly.

Endoscopic Laser Photocoagulation (ECP)

In October 2003, Dr. Stamm introduced to Erie, Pennsylvania the latest treatment procedure for glaucoma, ECP or Endoscopic Laser Photocoagulation. ECP is a laser procedure that directs a beam of laser energy to the ciliary processes in the eye, the area where internal fluid is made. By applying laser energy to these ciliary processes, it stops or slows down the production of fluid (aqueous fluid), and thus the pressure in the eye is lowered as the eye has less fluid to drain. Fluid drainage is easier when less fluid is preset and the effect is that the eye pressure is lowered.

ECP is a very safe and effective way to lower the eye pressure in glaucoma and in many cases has resulted in patients being able to reduce or eliminate their glaucoma medications. It is generally used in patients who have not responded adequately to standard glaucoma treatment such as glaucoma eyedrops or office laser procedures such as SLT (Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty).

ECP is performed on an outpatient basis at the outpatient surgery center and does not require an overnight stay. The procedure takes about 20 minutes to perform and is painless. There is no need for post treatment pain medication and the patient can return home shortly after the procedure. The eye pressure is checked in the office again the next morning.

Because of the safety level of this procedure, it may be repeated again later, if the pressure needs to be lowered further or if further reduction of medication is desired.

The use of ECP is showing a significant reduction in the pressure of the eye in 80% of the cases treated.

 

Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI)

Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI) is a procedure often used in people with Angle Closure Glaucoma. Also know as narrow-angle glaucoma occurs when the angle between the iris and the cornea in the eye are too small. This causes the iris to block fluid drainage, which makes the intraocular pressure (IOP) increase. LPI makes a small hole in the iris, allowing it to fall back from the fluid channel and helping the fluid drain.

For more information about any of the above laser procedures, please contact our office.