01422 324000
Mr Mohamed Mohyudin Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
Private Treatment — Spire Elland Hospital, Yorkshire

Mr Mohyudin YAG Laser Capsulotomy

YAG capsulotomy treats posterior capsule opacification (PCO) — the most common reason for vision to become blurry again months or years after cataract surgery. The procedure is quick, painless and permanent.

💷 From £500 per eye (self-pay)
✓ Insurance accepted
📅 Appointments within 1–2 weeks

What Is PCO?

During cataract surgery, the back of the lens capsule is left intact to support the new intraocular lens implant. Over time, residual epithelial cells can proliferate on this capsule, causing it to become hazy. This is posterior capsule opacification — sometimes called a "secondary cataract" — and it affects around 20–30% of patients within 2–5 years of surgery.

The YAG Laser Procedure

Treatment takes just a few minutes in the clinic. Dilating drops are applied, a contact lens is placed on the eye to focus the laser, and a precise opening is created in the cloudy capsule. The procedure is painless — you may see flashes of light and hear clicking sounds during the laser.

After the Procedure

  • Wait 30–60 minutes afterwards to have eye pressure checked.
  • Do not drive on the day of treatment due to dilating drops.
  • Vision typically improves within 24 hours.
  • The procedure is permanent — PCO does not recur at the treated site.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is posterior capsule opacification (PCO)?

PCO is a thickening or cloudiness of the capsule membrane left behind during cataract surgery. It is sometimes called a 'secondary cataract', though it is not a true cataract. It causes blurry vision similar to a cataract, but is treated in minutes with a YAG laser in the clinic.

How long does a YAG laser procedure take?

The laser takes approximately 5 minutes per eye. With preparation (dilating drops take 20–30 minutes to work) and a post-procedure pressure check, you should allow around 1–1.5 hours at the clinic in total.

Does YAG laser hurt?

No. YAG capsulotomy is painless. You may see brief flashes of light and hear clicking sounds from the laser, but there is no pain. Dilating eye drops are used beforehand and will blur your vision for several hours.

Is YAG laser available on the NHS?

Yes — YAG laser is available on the NHS for PCO following NHS cataract surgery. Private YAG laser is available with Mr Mohyudin at Spire Elland Hospital for patients who prefer not to wait, or for those who had private cataract surgery.

Book a Consultation

Private consultations available within 1–2 weeks at Spire Elland Hospital. No GP referral required.

Book at Spire Elland ↗ Call 01422 324000

Insurance Accepted

Bupa (Fee-Assured), AXA Health, Aviva, Vitality, WPA, Cigna and all major UK insurers.

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