After cataract or lens replacement surgery and after a significant period of having good vision some patients notice a ‘film’ in front of their eyes. This may be in one or both eyes and may be at varying degrees in each eye. It can change quite rapidly or the changes may be slow however once present the quality of the vision does get worse. The capsulotomy is required to regain the vision lost over time.

It takes approximately 20 minutes to fully dilate the eyes and then after the examination by the surgeon the treatment itself takes a few minutes per eye.

Local anaesthetic drops are used to numb the eye just before the treatment is performed.

The treatment is performed by a finely focussed laser blasting away cells from the posterior capsule of the lens. The patient is seated, with their chin on chin rest and head against a headrest, similar to the tests done to examine the eyes.

Occasionally it may need to be repeated if the cells are not adequately addressed in the first session, this will be known within a few weeks of the first treatment. The treatment will not need to be performed again in years to come or with age.

There are some side effects that are rare such as light sensitivity, temporary increase in the pressure of the eye, some inflammation at the back of the eye (retina) and the surgeon will advise you of the risk of developing these and how to manage.

As the eyes are dilated on the day you must not drive after the appointment and you may be light sensitive. you can continue with activities as normal eg hygiene, make up, working, reading, exercise.

The clinic will provide some medicated eye drops to use for a few days after the treatment.

Yes you can have YAG done elsewhere and you’re able to refer yourself privately, with no GP referral needed.