What is the most common use of the YAG laser?

The YAG laser, specifically the neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser, is most commonly used for a procedure known as capsulotomy. This technique addresses the issue of posterior capsule opacification (PCO), which can occur after cataract surgery. PCO results when the thin membrane behind the lens becomes cloudy, leading to blurred vision. The YAG laser creates an opening in this opacified capsule, restoring clear vision for the patient.

This use is favored because the YAG laser is precise and minimally invasive, providing a quick and effective solution to a common complication of cataract surgery. The safety and efficacy of this procedure, along with its ability to quickly restore vision without the need for additional invasive surgery, make it a routine practice in ophthalmology.

In contrast, while laser therapies are also used in the management of diabetic retinopathy and reshaping the cornea (such as in LASIK procedures), these are not the primary indications for YAG laser. Additionally, YAG lasers are not used for the removal of cataracts directly; rather, traditional surgical techniques, like phacoemulsification, are employed for that purpose.