What Is a YAG Laser Procedure — and What Can You Expect?
Posted by: Clear Vision Cataract & LASIK Center
If you’ve had cataract surgery and your vision has started to look cloudy again, you’re not alone, and the good news is there’s a quick, painless fix. It’s called a YAG laser capsulotomy, often simply referred to as a YAG procedure.
At Clear Vision Center, we perform this common laser treatment to restore the crisp, clear vision you enjoyed after your cataract surgery all in just a few minutes.
Why Some Patients Need a YAG Procedure
During cataract surgery, your cloudy natural lens is replaced with a clear, artificial lens. That new lens sits inside a thin membrane called the lens capsule.
Over time, this capsule can become cloudy, a condition known as posterior capsule opacification (PCO) or “secondary cataract.”
Even though it’s not an actual cataract returning, it can cause similar symptoms, such as:
- Blurry or hazy vision
- Glare or halos around lights
- Difficulty reading or seeing clearly at night
If these symptoms sound familiar, your doctor may recommend a YAG laser procedure to restore your vision.
What Happens During the Procedure
The YAG procedure is one of the quickest and most comfortable treatments we perform. Here’s what to expect:
- Quick and Easy Prep: You’ll sit comfortably at a laser machine — no need for an operating room. Numbing drops are used to keep your eye comfortable, and a special lens is placed on your eye to help focus the laser.
- Precise Laser Treatment: The YAG laser creates a small, clear opening in the cloudy capsule behind your lens implant. This allows light to pass through normally again.
- No Pain, No Downtime: The laser itself takes only a few minutes. You may see bright flashes of light, but most patients report no pain or discomfort.
After Your YAG Procedure
Once the procedure is complete, you can typically go home right away. You might notice mild floaters for a few days, but your vision often begins to clear within hours.
Your doctor will check your eye pressure and may prescribe drops for a few days afterward to help with healing. Most patients return to normal activities the same day or by the next day.
The Results
Patients often describe their vision after YAG as “like someone cleaned the window.” Colors appear brighter, details sharper, and everyday tasks easier again. Best of all — once treated, the cloudiness doesn’t come back.
When to Call Your Doctor
If you’ve had cataract surgery and notice your vision becoming blurry again, schedule an appointment to discuss whether a YAG laser procedure is right for you. The earlier we evaluate your symptoms, the sooner we can help you see clearly again.
Still have questions?
Our team is happy to answer any questions you may have about YAG procedures. Call our office today at (248) 710-2325 to learn more about what to expect during your YAG laser treatment.
