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YAG capsulotomy is a quick in-clinic laser procedure used to treat cloudy vision that can
develop after cataract surgery. This cloudiness is most often due to posterior capsule
opacification (PCO), sometimes called a “secondary cataract”. It is not the original cataract
coming back, and it can usually be treated effectively in a single short laser treatment.
A YAG laser is used to make a small opening in the cloudy capsule directly behind the lens implant. Once the opening is created, light can pass through clearly again and vision often improves quickly. The lens implant itself is not removed or replaced. Only the cloudy membrane behind it is treated.
YAG capsulotomy may be recommended when PCO is confirmed as the cause of reduced vision after cataract surgery and your symptoms are affecting daily tasks such as reading or driving.
Before recommending YAG laser, your ophthalmologist examines the capsule and lens implant, checks your vision, and confirms that PCO is present. The exam also helps rule out other causes of blurred vision, including retinal or macular conditions. If symptoms suggest a macular issue, OCT imaging may be recommended to check the health of the central retina.
YAG capsulotomy is performed in the clinic and is usually a short appointment, with most of the time spent preparing the eye.
Dilating drops are used first and can take up to 30 minutes to work. The laser is performed while you are seated at a slit lamp, similar to the microscope used during routine eye examinations. The treating light is invisible, but you will see a bright light and hear a soft click with each laser pulse. This is not painful.
The laser treatment itself is typically only a few minutes. The total appointment is longer
because dilation takes time to work.
YAG capsulotomy is typically painless. You may notice the bright light during treatment and some people describe a mild awareness of the procedure, but it should not hurt.
Most people recover quickly and return to normal routines soon after treatment.
Floaters can be common in the short term and usually settle as the eye clears. If you develop a sudden shower of floaters, new flashes of light, or a shadow or curtain across your vision, seek urgent review, as these can be signs of a retinal problem.
Most people can return to normal activities quickly, but same-day driving is not recommended as your vision will be affected by the dilation.
Vision often becomes sharper and clearer, with improved contrast and less haziness. Glare may improve as well, although final results depend on your overall eye health.
YAG capsulotomy is a very safe, well-established procedure with few complications. Most side
effects are temporary, such as floaters. Less common risks include raised eye pressure, inflammation, swelling at the macula, and a small risk of retinal tear or detachment. We will discuss the benefits and any relevant risks with you before treatment.
We confirm PCO and check for other causes of blurred vision, so the treatment matches the
real reason your vision has changed.
YAG capsulotomy is performed in a controlled clinical setting, with appropriate checks before
and after treatment.
You are given specific guidance on what to expect afterwards, including which symptoms are normal and which mean you should contact the clinic urgently.
No. Cataract surgery removes the cloudy natural lens and replaces it with a lens implant. YAG capsulotomy is a laser procedure done later to clear cloudiness in the capsule that supports the implant.
The laser treatment itself is usually only a few minutes, but your full appointment may be longer because of dilation time.
We generally advise against driving straight after treatment, as dilation can leave your vision blurry and light sensitive. It is often safer to arrange for someone to drive you home, especially while your pupils remain dilated.
Most side effects are temporary, such as floaters. Less common risks include raised eye pressure, inflammation, macular swelling, and a rare risk of retinal tear or detachment.
It rarely needs repeating in the same eye, because the opening created in the capsule is permanent.
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