YAG Laser Capsulotomy FAQs
Blue Fin Vision® consultants answer the most common questions about YAG laser capsulotomy. From suitability to recovery, find reassurance and practical guidance to help you make an informed decision about restoring your clear vision.
What is YAG laser capsulotomy?
YAG laser capsulotomy is a quick, painless procedure that treats posterior capsule opacification (PCO), often called a “secondary cataract.” PCO occurs when the thin membrane holding your artificial lens becomes cloudy after cataract surgery. The YAG laser creates a small opening in this cloudy capsule, allowing light to pass through clearly again. The procedure takes just 5–10 minutes and is performed as an outpatient treatment.
Is YAG laser capsulotomy commonly needed?
Yes, PCO is the most common complication following cataract surgery, affecting approximately 1 in 5 patients over several years. It can develop months or years after your original cataract operation. YAG laser capsulotomy is a routine procedure performed thousands of times each year in the UK and is highly effective at restoring clear vision.
How do I know if I need YAG laser capsulotomy?
Common signs that you may have developed PCO include gradually worsening vision after initially successful cataract surgery, increased glare or halos around lights, difficulty reading or watching television, and colours appearing faded or washed out. If your vision has become cloudy again after cataract surgery, your optometrist or consultant can examine your eye to confirm whether PCO is present.
Is YAG laser capsulotomy painful?
The procedure is not painful. Anaesthetic eye drops numb the eye, and most patients feel only mild pressure from the contact lens used to focus the laser. You may notice bright flashes of light and hear clicking sounds during treatment. Any mild discomfort after the procedure typically resolves within hours.
How long does YAG laser capsulotomy take?
YAG laser capsulotomy takes just 5–10 minutes per eye. You will be at the clinic for approximately one hour in total, including preparation and a post-treatment pressure check. You can go home the same day.
Will I need to use eye drops after YAG laser capsulotomy?
Yes, anti-inflammatory eye drops are usually prescribed for 1–2 weeks after treatment to reduce any mild inflammation. Your consultant provides clear instructions on how to use the drops. No antibiotic drops are needed as there is no surgical incision.
How soon will my vision improve after YAG laser capsulotomy?
Most patients notice clearer vision within hours of the procedure, with continued improvement over the following days. Some patients experience immediate improvement, whilst others notice gradual clearing over 24–48 hours. Any floaters caused by capsule fragments typically settle within days to weeks.
Can both eyes be treated with YAG laser capsulotomy on the same day?
Yes, if both eyes have developed PCO, they can usually be treated in the same session. Your consultant assesses whether this is appropriate based on your individual circumstances. Treating both eyes together minimises the number of clinic visits required.
What are the risks of YAG laser capsulotomy?
YAG laser capsulotomy has an excellent safety profile. The most common side effect is a temporary rise in eye pressure, which is monitored before you leave the clinic. Small floaters may appear temporarily as capsule fragments disperse. Rare risks include retinal detachment, particularly in patients with high myopia, which is why any sudden increase in floaters or flashing lights should be reported immediately.
Will stronger glasses help if my vision worsens after cataract surgery?
If your vision has become cloudy due to PCO, stronger glasses will not help. PCO causes cloudiness in the membrane behind the artificial lens, which cannot be corrected with spectacles. YAG laser capsulotomy is the only effective treatment. However, if your vision change is due to a different cause, your optometrist or consultant can advise on the appropriate solution.
