YAG Laser Posterior Capsulotomy
A quick, painless laser treatment for vision that becomes blurry again months or years after cataract surgery.
Why Vision Can Become Cloudy After Cataract Surgery
During cataract surgery, the intraocular lens is placed inside the eye's natural capsular bag. Months or years later, cells can grow across the back of this membrane—a condition called Posterior Capsule Opacification (PCO). It causes symptoms similar to the original cataract: hazy vision and glare around lights.
How the YAG Laser Procedure Works
The pupil is dilated with eye drops, and anesthetic drops are applied. Seated at a slit-lamp laser device, the ophthalmologist uses precise Nd:YAG laser pulses to create a clear central opening in the cloudy posterior capsule without any incisions. The procedure takes only a few minutes, is painless, and vision typically clears rapidly once pupil dilation wears off.
This procedure is part of the Cataract Surgery & Premium Lenses specialty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does YAG Laser capsulotomy require going to the operating room?
No. It is performed in the clinic using a specialized laser microscope and anesthetic eye drops, taking just a few minutes.
Will the capsule become cloudy again after YAG Laser?
In the vast majority of patients, once the posterior capsule opening is created with the YAG Laser, it remains permanently clear and does not need to be repeated.