What it is
After cataract surgery, the artificial lens sits inside a thin natural bag called the lens capsule. In some people, months or years later, the back of this capsule becomes cloudy — known as posterior capsule opacification (PCO), or “after-cataract”. Vision becomes blurred or glary, as if the cataract has come back. A YAG laser makes a small opening in the cloudy capsule to clear the line of sight.
Who it's for
People who have had cataract surgery and whose vision has become blurred or glary because of a cloudy capsule, confirmed on examination.
What to expect
The procedure is done in the outpatient clinic. Your pupil is dilated with drops and you sit at a machine similar to the eye-examination microscope. The laser takes a few minutes, with no cuts or stitches.
Recovery
You may notice some floaters and mild blurring for a short time. Your eye pressure may be checked, and you may use drops for a few days. Most people return to normal activities the same or next day.
Frequently asked questions
Can the cloudiness come back after YAG capsulotomy?
Once the capsule has been opened, it does not usually become cloudy again.
Does this mean my cataract surgery went wrong?
No. A cloudy capsule is a common change after cataract surgery and is not caused by a problem with the operation.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sweta Patro
