YAG Capsulotomy

The natural lens of the eye is encased in a bag called the capsule. During cataract surgery, an opening is made in the front surface of the capsular bag.  The cataract is removed through this opening and an intraocular lens is placed inside the capsular bag.  Over time as the capsular bag heals from surgery, the posterior surface of the bag often develops scar tissue or fibrosis.  The capsule becomes hazy and difficult to see through which is called, opacification.  This process can start almost immediately after cataract surgery or it can slowly develop years after surgery.

When the opacification grows enough to cause vision problems, a laser procedure called a YAG capsulotomy is performed. Capsulotomy is an in-office procedure in which a laser is used to create an opening in the clouded capsule to restore normal sight.  The procedure is painless and takes only a few seconds to perform.  Patients often notice an immediate improvement in their vision and have no restrictions after the procedure.

Menu