Determining whether you need YAG capsulotomy or glasses involves checking whether blur comes from PCO or from residual refractive error.
Features pointing towards glasses
Refraction and testing often provide the answer.
- Vision improves markedly with a new trial lens in clinic
- Clear capsule or only mild PCO on slit‑lamp examination
- Astigmatism or prescription change explaining the blur
- Stable, sharp sight once appropriate spectacles are worn
- No major glare or mistiness beyond what glasses correct
Features pointing towards YAG
PCO has a characteristic effect.
- Hazy, foggy vision and glare that persist despite correct glasses
- Signs of capsule thickening directly behind the implant
- Reduced contrast and dazzle in bright light or at night
- Little additional gain from tweaking prescription alone
- Eye‑care professional advising that YAG is likely to give more benefit than further spectacle changes
