Post-Cataract Clarity · Cedar Park, TX
Posterior Capsulotomy (YAG)
A quick, painless in-office laser procedure to restore clear vision if haziness develops after cataract surgery.
What Is a Posterior Capsulotomy?
Clearing the Haze After Cataract Surgery
A posterior capsulotomy is a noninvasive laser procedure to eliminate posterior capsule opacification (PCO). During cataract surgery, the thin, transparent membrane (lens capsule) surrounding the natural lens is left intact to support the artificial lens — but it can become cloudy later.
While some people refer to this as a “secondary cataract,” it is not a cataract — once cataracts have been removed, they do not grow back. It occurs when lens epithelial cells remain after cataract surgery and grow on the capsule, which can take place weeks, months, or even years later. Studies show that about 20% of cataract surgery patients experience this haziness in the posterior portion of the capsule sometime after their surgery.
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Key Facts
What to Expect
When PCO develops, a YAG laser creates an opening in the center of the cloudy capsule, allowing clear passage of light and eliminating the cloudiness that inhibits vision. The procedure is safe, effective, and painless — and can often be performed right at the doctor's office.
Restore Your Vision
See Clearly Again
If your vision has become hazy after cataract surgery, a posterior capsulotomy is a safe and effective way to restore clarity — most patients resume normal activities immediately, and serious complications are extremely rare. Contact us to schedule your evaluation.