YAG capsulotomy is not suitable when posterior capsule opacification is not the main cause of visual problems or when eye conditions make the risks unacceptably high.
Situations where YAG is usually avoided
Other issues should be addressed first.
- No or minimal symptoms despite visible PCO
- Blur mainly due to uncorrected glasses, macular disease, or corneal problems
- Uncontrolled glaucoma, active uveitis, or significant macular oedema
- Unstable or badly positioned intraocular lens that may need surgical correction
- Patients unable to cooperate or sit safely at the laser
When caution is particularly important
Risk-benefit balance must be carefully weighed.
- Very high retinal detachment risk, such as some highly myopic or previously detached eyes
- Advanced, fragile glaucoma where pressure spikes could cause further damage
- Unclear diagnosis where the source of symptoms has not been fully investigated
- Expectations of “perfect” vision that no real procedure can guarantee
- Situations where future lens exchange is being considered but not yet ruled out
