Preparation for YAG capsulotomy is straightforward and requires minimal specific action from patients. There are no dietary restrictions, fasting requirements, or need to discontinue regular medications. ² You may eat and drink normally before the procedure. If you take prescribed eye drops for conditions such as glaucoma or dry eye, continue using them as directed unless specifically instructed otherwise.
On the day of the procedure, you will receive mydriatic eye drops, typically tropicamide 1% or phenylephrine 2.5%, to dilate your pupil. ¹ Pupil dilatation is necessary to provide the clinician with a clear view of the posterior capsule and intraocular lens during laser treatment. These drops take approximately 20 to 30 minutes to achieve adequate dilation, and you will experience blurred vision and light sensitivity for several hours afterwards. The dilated pupil typically returns to normal size within four to six hours.
Because your vision will be temporarily blurred following pupil dilation, you should not drive immediately after the procedure. Arrange for someone to accompany you to the appointment or plan to use public transport or taxi services. The visual blur from pupil dilation is the primary reason driving is inadvisable, not pain or sedation, as the procedure does not involve general anaesthesia or systemic medications that impair consciousness. ²
Bring your current spectacles and a list of your current medications to the appointment. If you wear contact lenses, you may be asked to remove them before the procedure. Dark sunglasses are helpful for managing light sensitivity during the journey home while your pupil remains dilated. There is no recovery period in the traditional sense, as most patients resume normal activities immediately, though blurred vision from pupil dilation may temporarily limit reading or detailed tasks. ³
References
- Wang L, Xiao W, He M, Yang X. A new technique for Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy. International Journal of Ophthalmology. 2014;7(2):340-343.
- Aslam TM, Devlin H, Dhillon B. Use of Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy. Survey of Ophthalmology. 2003;48(6):594-612.
- Khalaff AG, Alfaraidy MR, Bukhari AA, Alhassoon FH. A case report on acute cystoid macular edema days after YAG laser posterior capsulotomy: Importance of post-operative optical coherence tomography. American Journal of Ophthalmology Case Reports. 2025;37:102349.
Related Topics
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