YAG capsulotomy is not recommended when capsule clouding is mild, symptoms are negligible, or another eye condition better explains the visual change.
Clinical reasons to defer or avoid
In these cases the laser is unlikely to help.
- Mild PCO without meaningful impact on driving, reading, or daily tasks
- Blur dominated by macular degeneration, diabetic maculopathy, or corneal disease
- Significant active inflammation or untreated infection in the eye
- Unstable lens implant or zonular weakness that may need surgical attention
- Recent major retinal surgery where additional laser energy is best postponed
Patient‑related reasons
Sometimes the context makes YAG a poor choice.
- Very anxious patients with minimal symptoms and unrealistic expectations
- Inability to attend follow‑up or comply with urgent review if complications arise
- Advanced general ill‑health where minor visual gains bring little benefit
- Preference, after counselling, to monitor and reconsider later
- Plans for possible lens exchange that would be complicated by opening the capsule
