Posterior Capsulotomy

If your vision has become cloudy weeks or months after cataract surgery, you may have posterior capsular opacification (PCO) — sometimes called a “secondary cataract.” A quick, painless YAG laser procedure restores clarity in minutes.

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Why Your Vision Got Cloudy Again

During cataract surgery, the natural cloudy lens is removed but the lens capsule (a thin membrane that holds the lens) is left intact to support the IOL. Over time, cells on this capsule can multiply and cloud the back surface — causing vision to become blurry, hazy, or glare-prone again. This is called Posterior Capsular Opacification (PCO).

PCO is very common — affecting up to 20% of cataract surgery patients within 2 years. It is not a recurrence of your cataract. It is a completely separate issue, easily treated in-office with a YAG laser in just minutes.

~5 min
Procedure time
Same day
Return to activities
Painless
No anesthesia needed
One-time
Permanent result

Before, During & After Posterior Capsulotomy

Before

Preparing for the Procedure

  • Comprehensive eye exam to confirm PCO diagnosis
  • Dilating eye drops will be applied in the office
  • You may need to stop certain medications beforehand
  • Arrange a driver — drops may blur vision temporarily
During

The YAG Laser Procedure

  • Anesthetic eye drops numb the eye (painless)
  • A special contact lens holds your eye open and focuses the laser
  • The laser creates a small opening in the cloudy capsule
  • The entire procedure takes only a few minutes
After

Recovery & Results

  • Most patients notice improved clarity almost immediately
  • Some floaters are normal for a few weeks
  • Anti-inflammatory eye drops are typically prescribed
  • Follow-up exam in 2–4 weeks to check eye pressure and clarity

Don’t Wait — Clarity Is Just Minutes Away

If you had cataract surgery and your vision is getting cloudy, blurry, or glare-prone again, call us. A YAG posterior capsulotomy is one of the quickest, easiest, and most satisfying procedures in all of eye care.

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