YAG Capsulotomy
Date issued: June 2025
Review date: June 2027
Leaflet section: Ophthalmology
PDF: YAG Capsulotomy.pdf [pdf] 122KB
Ophthalmology
Why do I need YAG Capsulotomy?
After cataract surgery, the bag (capsule) that holds your implant in place inside your eye can thicken and mist over causing your vision to blur. This is known as capsule opacification. This is common after cataract surgery. A laser beam is used to clear a central window in this capsule through which you will be able to see clearly again. This procedure is called a capsulotomy, and this can be performed easily in the eye clinic.
The name of the laser used is called a YAG laser, so the procedure is often known as a YAG capsulotomy.
On the day of your treatment
- Do not drive to the appointment (your vision will be blurred for several hours after the treatment)
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Use all your usual eye drops
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Bring your distance glasses with you
We will check your vision and put in eye drops to enlarge your pupil, these can take about 20 minutes to work. We will take your written consent and if you have any questions, will explain further.
You will be seated at the laser machine, like the one used to examine your eyes in clinic. Numbing eye drops are put in the eye to be treated to avoid any discomfort during the laser treatment.
During the laser treatment
A contact lens is placed on the front of the eye to keep the eye open and focus the laser beam, this will not be painful. The laser treatment starts when you are comfortable and takes between 5 and 10 minutes.
During this time, you may hear some clicking sounds and see some bright lights. The contact lens is removed. Further drops may be given.
What are the risks?
Complications are unusual.
1. The pressure in the eye can rise. This may be treated with drops or tablets.
2. Inflammation inside the eye. This is uncommon and responds rapidly to anti-inflammatory drops.
3. A retinal tear or detachment can rarely occur in the following 3 months (3 in 100 patients may experience this).
4. Fluid can build up in the retina causing a reduction in vision (2 in 100 patients may experience this).
Contact us if any of the below problems persist:
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New flashing lights and floaters (a few new floaters are normal)
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Reduced vision
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Pain
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Redness
Watch a video about YAG Capsulotomy
Other formats
If you need this leaflet in another format such as Braille, large print, high contrast, British Sign Language or translated into another language, contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS):
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01752 439694
