YAG laser capsulotomy treats posterior capsule opacification (PCO) — the cloudy film that can develop behind your intraocular lens after cataract surgery. At our UK partner clinics it costs from £550 for one eye and £700 for both eyes, all-inclusive of the consultant assessment, the laser and aftercare. The treatment takes about five minutes per eye, is completely painless, involves no incision, and most patients notice clearer vision within a day.
What is posterior capsule opacification (PCO)?
During cataract surgery your cloudy natural lens is removed and a clear artificial intraocular lens (IOL) is placed inside the thin membrane that used to hold it — the lens capsule. In some patients, cells left on that capsule slowly grow across it, making it hazy. This is called posterior capsule opacification, and it is the most common late effect of otherwise successful cataract surgery.
PCO is sometimes described as a “secondary cataract”, though it is not a true cataract and the cataract itself never returns. It affects roughly one in five patients within five years of surgery and can appear anywhere from a few months to many years later. The good news: it is quickly and permanently corrected with a YAG laser — read more about why vision gets cloudy years after cataract surgery.
Symptoms of PCO
- Gradually blurring vision — as if your cataract is coming back
- Glare and halos around lights, especially when driving at night
- Reduced contrast — colours and detail look washed out
- Difficulty reading or seeing in bright sunlight
- A “film” over the eye that cleaning your glasses never fixes
Vision clouding again after cataract surgery? A quick consultant assessment confirms whether PCO is the cause and whether YAG laser is right for you.
Book a PCO assessmentYAG laser capsulotomy pricing
Pricing is straightforward and all-inclusive — the consultant assessment, the laser treatment and your post-treatment pressure check are all covered. There are no theatre or hospital admission fees because YAG capsulotomy is a clinic-based laser, not surgery.
YAG capsulotomy is a one-off treatment: once the cloudy capsule is opened it does not grow back, so you will not need it repeated on the same eye. For a full regional and insurance breakdown see our YAG laser capsulotomy cost guide.
What happens during YAG laser capsulotomy
The treatment is carried out in the clinic using anaesthetic eye drops — no injections, no incision and no need to stay overnight. You sit at a laser microscope similar to the one used for your eye examination.
- Dilating drops widen your pupil, and anaesthetic drops numb the surface of the eye.
- A special contact lens may be gently rested on the eye to focus the laser and hold your eyelids open.
- The surgeon uses the YAG laser to make a small, precise opening in the cloudy capsule behind your intraocular lens.
- Light passes cleanly through the opening again — this takes about five minutes per eye and you may hear soft clicking sounds.
- Your eye pressure is checked shortly afterwards before you go home.
Recovery & aftercare
Recovery is very quick — most people return to normal activities the same day. Here is what to expect:
First few hours
Vision may be blurry from the dilating drops and you might see extra floaters. Arrange for someone to drive you home; do not drive until the blur settles.
Day 1
Vision usually sharpens noticeably as the eye settles. Any short course of anti-inflammatory drops is started if prescribed.
First week
Floaters typically fade. Most patients are back to driving, reading and screen work. Report any sudden flashes, a shower of floaters or a shadow in your vision at once.
Beyond a week
Vision is settled and stable. Because the capsule does not re-cloud, the improvement is permanent for that eye.
Learn more about the condition itself in our guide to PCO symptoms and treatment.
Cost & insurance
Our YAG laser capsulotomy prices are all-inclusive: the consultant assessment, the laser treatment, your pressure check and aftercare advice. There are no hidden theatre or admission charges.
- Self-pay: from £550 one eye, £700 both eyes.
- Insurance: recognised by Bupa, AXA, Aviva, Vitality, Cigna and WPA — we can help with authorisation.
- Assessment first: a consultant confirms PCO is the cause of your blur before any laser is recommended.
If your vision has clouded and you need to meet the DVLA eyesight standard, ask about our same-day YAG capsulotomy service.