YAG capsulotomy is suitable only for treating posterior capsule opacification after cataract surgery; it is not a substitute for repeat cataract surgery when the issue lies elsewhere.
When YAG can avoid additional surgery
Laser is preferred if the capsule is the main problem.
- Lens implant is well positioned and correctly powered
- PCO is clearly responsible for new haze and glare
- No need to exchange the lens for optical or medical reasons
- Retina and cornea are otherwise stable
- YAG offers a quick solution without reopening the eye
When further intraocular surgery is still needed
Some problems cannot be fixed with YAG.
- Incorrect IOL power causing large refractive error
- Significant lens decentration, tilt, or instability
- Complications such as lens dislocation into the vitreous
- Need to change lens type, for example from multifocal to monofocal
- Scenarios where opening the capsule first would make corrective surgery harder
