Quick laser treatment to restore clarity after cataract surgery
YAG laser capsulotomy is a quick, painless outpatient procedure used to treat posterior capsule opacification (PCO) - sometimes called a "secondary cataract." PCO is a common condition where the thin membrane behind your artificial lens becomes cloudy. This can occur early after surgery or in the months or years following your procedure, causing your vision to gradually blur again.
This is not a complication of your original surgery; it is a natural response of the eye. Around 1 in 5 patients who have cataract surgery will eventually need a YAG capsulotomy to restore their visual clarity.
A YAG laser creates a small, precise opening in the clouded capsule behind your intraocular lens. The laser is applied from outside the eye - there is no incision and no need for anaesthetic injections. The entire procedure takes less than five minutes.
Once the capsule is opened, light can pass through clearly to the retina, and your vision is restored - often noticeably within hours of treatment.
This is usually a one-stop appointment where your consultation and laser treatment are performed during the same visit. Your pupil will be dilated with eye drops, which takes around 20 minutes. Your surgeon will examine your eye to confirm that the capsule is the primary cause of your blurred vision, and proceed to treatment immediately where appropriate.
You sit at a slit lamp (similar to a routine eye examination) while the laser is applied. You may see flashes of light and hear clicking sounds. The procedure is painless and takes just a few minutes.
You can go home shortly after the procedure. Many patients notice an improvement in their vision within minutes of the laser treatment, though the full effect is best appreciated within 24 hours once the dilating drops have worn off. Depending on your specific case, your surgeon may sometimes provide a short course of anti-inflammatory eye drops to use afterward, though these are not routinely required for everyone.
If you have had cataract surgery and notice your vision becoming cloudy or hazy again, posterior capsule opacification is the most likely cause. Your surgeon will confirm this with a thorough examination. YAG capsulotomy is a one-time treatment; once the capsule is opened, PCO does not recur.
Our pricing is inclusive of your consultation and same-day treatment: