YAG laser capsulotomy: what to expect during the procedure, step by step

YAG laser capsulotomy sounds high-tech but the experience is closer to a routine eye examination than a hospital operation. Here is what actually happens on the day.

The short answer

A YAG laser capsulotomy appointment usually takes 45–60 minutes in total. The laser itself lasts 5–10 minutes per eye, is painless and needs no incision, injection or eye patch afterwards.

Before the appointment

- Continue your usual medications, including eye drops

- Eat and drink normally

- Arrange a lift or taxi home — you cannot drive on the day

- Bring sunglasses for the journey home

Step 1 — Arrival and assessment

You'll see the consultant for a slit-lamp examination to confirm PCO and check the position of your lens implant. Vision, pressure and pupil size are noted, and the plan is confirmed with you.

Step 2 — Dilating drops

Drops are put in to dilate your pupils. This takes about 20–30 minutes to work. You may notice increased sensitivity to light and blurred near vision.

Step 3 — Positioning at the laser

You'll sit at a slit-lamp-style laser with your chin and forehead on a rest. An anaesthetic drop numbs the surface of the eye and a small contact lens is placed on the cornea to help focus the laser accurately.

Step 4 — The laser itself

Short, focused pulses of laser make a small clear opening in the capsule behind your implant. You may hear a series of clicks and see brief flashes of light. The treatment lasts 5–10 minutes per eye and is not painful.

Step 5 — After the laser

The contact lens is removed and pressure is checked. You'll wait 30–60 minutes, then have a second pressure check before going home. Written aftercare instructions and any eye drops are given at this point.

Step 6 — Going home

You cannot drive on the day of treatment. Vision is a little misty and floaters are common at first, but most patients notice clearer vision by the next morning.

Book a consultant-led YAG assessment

Ms Tahmina Pearsall offers consultant-led YAG laser capsulotomy from £450 per eye across UK clinics. Visit the YAG laser capsulotomy clinic to arrange an appointment.