YAG capsulotomy can be suitable with an epiretinal membrane, but visual improvement may be modest if macular distortion is significant.
When YAG may be useful
Capsule haze and membrane changes can coexist.
- Confirmed PCO causing extra blur or glare on top of the membrane
- Relatively stable membrane with no immediate plan for vitrectomy
- Desire to optimise clarity before judging whether membrane surgery is needed
- Use of monofocal implants where optical quality is otherwise good
- OCT showing that some macular structure remains to benefit from clearer optics
Important counselling points
Expectations should be carefully set.
- YAG treats capsule haze but does not remove the epiretinal membrane
- Distortion or wavy vision may persist even after laser
- Further vitrectomy or membrane peel may still be considered later
- Monitoring for macular oedema after YAG is advisable
- Decision made jointly with a retinal specialist when membranes are significant
