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OUTLOOK EYE TREATMENTS

YAG Laser Capsulotomy

Introduction:

During cataract surgery, the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens. This lens sits in a bag called the capsule which is part of the normal eye. In about 25% of people, this bag thickens leading to a “film” over the clear lens and leads to reduced vision. This can be corrected easily and safely with a special machine known as a YAG laser. The laser is used to cut a hole in the centre of the capsule thus enabling clear vision again.

Procedure:

This procedure is performed in the clinic.

  1. A special contact lens may be applied to use with the laser, in which case the eye is numbed with anaesthetic drops.
  2. The laser is then used to cut the capsule. The procedure is painless and usually only takes a few minutes. You will notice small flashes of light during the procedure.
  3. The risks of this procedure are very low but not zero. It is possible to mark the intraocular lens with the laser, but that does not affect the vision. In very rare instances, the lens can shift out of position or vitreous gel can come through to the front of the eye requiring further procedures.

Post procedure:

After the procedure, you may notice some floaters which usually settle after a few days. You may be given anti-inflammatory drops to use for a week.
Follow up may be offered with your doctor or optometrist to ensure that your vision has improved and all is well.

Helpful links: Laser Retinopexy, SLT Laser, Corneal Collagen Cross Linking, Intense Pulse Light

Frequently Asked Questions

YAG laser capsulotomy is a quick, painless in-rooms laser procedure that restores clear vision after cataract surgery when the posterior lens capsule becomes cloudy, a condition known as posterior capsule opacification (PCO). A focused laser beam creates a small opening in the cloudy capsule, immediately restoring the clear optical pathway.
PCO is the most common complication after cataract surgery, occurring in approximately 20–40% of patients within 2–5 years of their operation. It is not a recurrence of the cataract but rather a thickening of the remaining lens capsule. It is completely treatable with a single YAG laser procedure.
No. The procedure is painless. Dilating and anaesthetic drops are instilled before the laser is applied. You may see brief flashes of light during the procedure. Most patients find it more comfortable than they expected.
The YAG laser capsulotomy itself takes only 2–5 minutes. Including preparation and the post-procedure eye pressure check, you should expect to be at the clinic for approximately 30–45 minutes.
Most patients notice a significant improvement in vision within 24 hours of the procedure. Vision continues to settle over the following days. You may notice an increase in floaters initially, which typically settle within a few weeks.
Most patients can return to work the following day. You will not be able to drive for several hours after the procedure due to the dilating drops used, so please arrange a lift home on the day. Anti-inflammatory drops are prescribed for 1–2 weeks after the procedure.
No. Once a YAG laser capsulotomy has been performed, the opening in the capsule is permanent and PCO cannot recur in the same eye. The procedure is a one-time treatment.
YAG laser capsulotomy is a very safe procedure. The most common side effect is a temporary increase in floaters, which usually settle. A small rise in eye pressure can occur after the laser and is monitored and managed at the post-procedure check. Rare risks include retinal detachment and displacement of the intraocular lens.
Yes. YAG laser capsulotomy is eligible for a Medicare rebate when performed by a specialist ophthalmologist with a valid referral. Our team can provide a cost estimate at your consultation.
Common signs of PCO include progressive blurring, glare, halos around lights, and difficulty reading, with similar symptoms to cataract but occurring months to years after cataract surgery. Your ophthalmologist will confirm the diagnosis at your review appointment and recommend treatment if appropriate.