A YAG laser capsulotomy is a quick, painless laser that restores vision when the thin membrane behind your intraocular lens clouds over after cataract surgery — a common, harmless condition called posterior capsule opacification (PCO), sometimes called “secondary cataract”. At our central London clinic near Harley Street the procedure takes about five minutes per eye, needs only anaesthetic drops, and costs from £550 for a single eye or £700 for both. Our same-day pathway means many patients are assessed and treated in one visit, with no referral required.
Why vision goes cloudy after cataract surgery
During cataract surgery your cloudy natural lens is removed and an artificial intraocular lens is placed inside the thin, clear membrane that used to hold your own lens — the capsule. In some patients, months or years later, cells grow across the back of that capsule and it becomes hazy. Light can no longer pass cleanly through, and vision becomes misty, glary or dim — often feeling just like the original cataract returning.
It is not a returning cataract: cataracts cannot come back once removed. PCO affects roughly one in five patients within five years of cataract surgery and is completely treatable. For more background see our guides on PCO symptoms and treatment and why vision goes cloudy years after cataract surgery.
Symptoms of PCO
- Gradually cloudy or misty vision in an eye that was previously clear after cataract surgery
- Glare and halos around lights, especially when driving at night
- Reduced contrast — colours and detail look washed out
- A feeling that “the cataract has come back”
Our same-day pathway
Because YAG capsulotomy is a simple outpatient laser, there is rarely any need to split assessment and treatment across two appointments. Where you are clinically suitable, our consultant assesses your eye and performs the laser in the same visit:
- Consultant examines the eye and confirms PCO is the cause of your symptoms.
- Eye pressure is checked and the pupil is dilated with drops.
- The YAG laser is performed there and then — around five minutes.
- A short post-laser pressure check before you head home.
Travelling in for treatment? Tell our team and we’ll arrange a same-day assessment-and-laser slot so you don’t need a second trip.
Request a same-day slotWhat happens during the laser
YAG capsulotomy is performed while you sit at a laser microscope, similar to the slit-lamp your optician uses. It is painless and there is no cutting.
- Dilating and numbing drops are placed in the eye.
- A small contact lens may be rested gently on the eye to focus the laser.
- The YAG laser creates a small, clear opening in the cloudy capsule — you may see flashes of light and hear soft clicks.
- The whole thing takes about five minutes per eye. Most people notice clearer vision within hours.
Same-day YAG capsulotomy cost
Our pricing is all-inclusive of the consultant assessment, dilation, pressure checks and the laser itself:
- Single eye: from £550
- Both eyes: from £700
- Insurance: recognised by Bupa, AXA, Aviva, Vitality, Cigna, WPA and others — we handle authorisation.
- No referral required — you can book directly.
For full YAG pricing and regional options see our YAG laser capsulotomy cost guide, and for cataract pricing see our cataract surgery cost guide.
After the laser
First few hours
Vision may be blurry from the dilating drops and you may notice a few new floaters — both settle. Do not drive until the dilation wears off.
Same day – next day
Vision clears noticeably as the dilation fades. A short course of anti-inflammatory drops may be prescribed.
First week
Floaters usually settle. Most patients are back to all normal activities, including driving, the same or next day.
Long term
The result is permanent — PCO does not recur once the capsule is opened. Seek advice promptly if you ever notice a curtain, shadow or sudden flood of floaters.