YAG capsulotomy can be very helpful when glare is the main symptom and posterior capsule opacification is confirmed.
Glare patterns suggestive of PCO
Capsule haze scatters light in distinctive ways.
- Starbursts, halos, or streaks around streetlights and headlights
- Dazzle from sunlight or bright indoor lighting
- Increased difficulty driving at night compared with early post‑operative vision
- Visibly cloudy capsule on slit‑lamp examination
- Only modest benefit from new glasses or anti‑glare lenses
Assessing likely benefit from YAG
Not all glare is capsule related.
- Evaluation of corneal surface, tear film, and lens implant position
- Consideration of multifocal lens optics, which also cause halos
- Realistic discussion that YAG often reduces but may not abolish all glare
- Balancing symptom severity against small procedural risks
- Follow‑up to assess glare improvement and address residual issues
