Private YAG Laser Capsulotomy
Consultant-led YAG laser treatment in Camberley, Surrey for cloudy or blurred vision after cataract surgery.
Clearer vision after cataract surgery
YAG laser capsulotomy is a treatment used when the capsule behind an artificial lens becomes cloudy after cataract surgery. This is called posterior capsular opacification, or PCO, and it can cause blurred or hazy vision, glare and reduced clarity.
Miss Hala Ali provides consultant-led assessment and private YAG laser treatment for patients whose vision has changed following cataract surgery.
What is YAG laser capsulotomy?
YAG laser capsulotomy is a laser procedure used to treat posterior capsular opacification, a common cause of cloudy or blurred vision after cataract surgery.
After cataract surgery, the artificial lens sits inside a thin clear capsule. Over time, the back of this capsule can become cloudy and scatter light, affecting the quality of vision. The YAG laser creates a small opening in the cloudy capsule so light can pass through more clearly.
A cataract does not grow back after cataract surgery. Clouding of the posterior capsule is a different process and can be assessed and treated where appropriate.
Has your vision become cloudy or blurred after cataract surgery?
If your vision improved after cataract surgery and later became less clear, PCO may be one possible cause. Symptoms can include blurred or hazy vision, glare, reduced contrast, difficulty reading and a gradual loss of visual clarity.
Not all visual changes after cataract surgery are caused by PCO. A specialist ophthalmic assessment is important to identify the cause of your symptoms and decide whether YAG laser treatment is suitable.
Who may benefit from YAG laser capsulotomy?
YAG capsulotomy may be appropriate when posterior capsular opacification is affecting vision or daily activities. Suitability depends on your symptoms, examination findings, visual needs and overall eye health, including whether another condition may better explain the change in vision.
Why choose Miss Hala Ali?
Your assessment and treatment are consultant-led, not simply access to a laser. Careful examination matters when vision changes after cataract surgery, because the cause should be understood before treatment is recommended.
Miss Hala Ali is a Consultant Ophthalmologist, FRCOphth and CertLRS, with fellowship training in cornea, anterior segment and refractive surgery. Her practice includes specialist cataract care, complex cataract surgery and premium intraocular lenses.
Her wider professional experience includes roles as an RCOphth Examiner and Surgical Skills Tutor, alongside research, teaching and international conference presentations.
Where is YAG laser capsulotomy available?
Camberley, Surrey
Private YAG laser capsulotomy is currently performed at our Frimley Park location in Camberley, Surrey. This location is convenient for patients from Frimley, Surrey Heath, Farnborough, Fleet, Woking, Bagshot and surrounding Surrey areas.
Private YAG Laser Capsulotomy Fee
One eye: £700
Both eyes: £1,200
Two separate single-eye treatments would cost £1,400. The bilateral fee is £1,200 when treatment is required for both eyes. Your consultation will confirm whether YAG laser treatment is appropriate and explain the recommended next steps.
Book a private YAG laser consultationWhat happens during YAG laser capsulotomy?
- 1
Consultation and assessment
Your symptoms and eye health are assessed, and the diagnosis and suitability for treatment are confirmed.
- 2
Benefits, risks and options
The expected benefits, individual risks and alternatives are discussed before any treatment is arranged.
- 3
Preparing the eye
Dilating and or anaesthetic eye drops may be used as appropriate.
- 4
Laser treatment
The YAG laser is used to create an opening in the cloudy capsule. No surgical incision is required.
- 5
Aftercare
Your eye is assessed after treatment and you will receive individual aftercare and follow-up advice.
Comfort, safety and recovery
YAG laser capsulotomy is an established ophthalmic laser procedure. Patients generally tolerate it well, and anaesthetic eye drops are used where appropriate, although individual experiences vary.
As with any medical procedure, there are risks. These can include temporary inflammation, a temporary rise in eye pressure, floaters and, less commonly, retinal tear or retinal detachment. Your individual risks will be discussed at consultation.
Dilating drops may temporarily affect vision. Follow your individual post-treatment instructions and seek urgent ophthalmic assessment for a sudden increase in floaters, flashes of light, a curtain or shadow across your vision, or a sudden or significant reduction in vision.
Private YAG laser treatment
Some patients choose private treatment for consultant-led care, convenient appointment availability, continuity and a private hospital environment. Private care is a personal choice and does not imply that it is clinically superior to NHS care.
YAG laser capsulotomy FAQs
What is YAG laser capsulotomy?
It is a laser treatment for posterior capsular opacification, a common cause of cloudy or blurred vision after cataract surgery.
Why might I need YAG laser after cataract surgery?
The capsule behind the artificial lens can become cloudy over time. If it is affecting your vision, YAG laser treatment may be considered after assessment.
Can a cataract come back after cataract surgery?
No. A cataract does not grow back. Clouding of the posterior capsule is a separate process that can cause similar symptoms.
Is YAG laser capsulotomy painful?
Patients generally tolerate the procedure well. Anaesthetic eye drops may be used where appropriate, but individual experiences can vary.
What are the risks of YAG laser capsulotomy?
Risks include temporary inflammation, a temporary rise in eye pressure, floaters and less common retinal complications. These are discussed in relation to your own eyes before treatment.
How quickly does vision improve after YAG laser?
Vision can improve after treatment, but the pattern and timing vary between patients. You will receive personalised advice after your assessment.
Can I drive after YAG laser treatment?
Dilating drops can temporarily blur vision. You should follow the individual advice given on the day and arrange transport if recommended.
How much does private YAG laser capsulotomy cost?
The fee is £700 for one eye or £1,200 for both eyes when treatment is required bilaterally.
Where is YAG laser treatment available?
YAG laser capsulotomy is currently performed at Parkside Suite, Frimley Park Hospital, Camberley, Surrey.
Book a private YAG laser consultation
If you have noticed cloudy, hazy or blurred vision after cataract surgery, arrange a consultant-led assessment to find out whether YAG laser capsulotomy may be right for you.