YAG capsulotomy can improve how clearly light reaches an abnormal retina, but final vision is limited by the retinal condition itself.
When some improvement is possible
Clearing capsule haze can still help.
- PCO is adding extra blur or glare on top of known retinal disease
- Retina is stable and has reasonable remaining function
- Better clarity would aid daily tasks or retinal monitoring
- Expectations set that gains may be modest rather than dramatic
- Decision made with input from a retinal specialist when disease is significant
Limits in abnormal retinas
YAG cannot reverse retinal damage.
- Central distortion, missing areas, or severe scarring will persist
- Visual potential determined mainly by the underlying macular or retinal problem
- Low‑vision aids may still be needed after YAG
- Benefits and risks must be weighed carefully in eyes with poor prognosis
- Sometimes observation alone is preferred if expected gain is very small
