Is YAG laser capsulotomy painful?

Not at all. Only topical anesthetic drops are needed. You may see flashes during the procedure but feel no pain.

Can the capsule become cloudy again after treatment?

No. The laser-opened posterior capsule does not regenerate or re-opacify. The treatment effect is permanent.

Treatment Procedure

Ophthalmic Laser Treatment

YAG Laser Capsulotomy

Posterior CapsulotomyYAG Laser for PCO

An outpatient laser procedure that creates an opening in the opacified posterior capsule after cataract surgery to restore clear vision.

Posterior capsule opacification (PCO) is the most common complication after cataract surgery, occurring in approximately 20-40% of patients within months to years as the posterior capsule becomes cloudy, causing vision to decline again. YAG laser capsulotomy is the standard treatment: an Nd:YAG laser creates a clear aperture in the central opacified posterior capsule, allowing light to reach the retina again. The entire procedure takes just minutes, is painless and non-invasive, requires no hospitalization, and vision improves immediately.

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Quick Reference

Treatment

5 mins – 10 mins

Observation

30 mins – 1 hours

Est. Cost

¥219.47 – ¥731.57

Department

Ophthalmology

5 mins – 10 minsDuration

¥219.47 – ¥731.57Cost

Who Is This For

Is YAG Laser Capsulotomy Right for You?

Good Candidates

Vision decline due to PCO after cataract surgery
PCO interfering with OCT or fundus examination visualization

May Not Be Suitable

Significantly displaced IOL
Active intraocular inflammation
Patients unable to maintain fixation

Step-by-Step Process

How YAG Laser Capsulotomy Works

Pupil dilation

Short-acting mydriatic agent to dilate the pupil.

Topical anesthesia

Anesthetic eye drops applied.

Contact lens placement

Specialized YAG laser contact lens placed on the cornea to aid focusing.

Laser application

YAG laser creates a cruciform or circular opening in the posterior capsule, typically using 1-2mJ energy with several dozen shots.

Evaluation and observation

Confirm clear capsulotomy opening, measure post-procedure IOP, observe for 30 minutes.

Single procedure, no repeat needed.

Cost Information

Cost Estimate for YAG Laser Capsulotomy

Estimated Price Range

¥219.47 – ¥731.57

What's Included

Public tier-3A general self-pay: approximately ¥1,500-3,000; tier-3A International Medical Department: approximately ¥2,500-4,000; premium private hospitals: approximately ¥3,000-5,000. Low cost as an outpatient procedure.

Before Your Visit

What to Prepare

Required Tests & Examinations

If you already have recent valid test results, bring the reports. If not, these assessments can usually be completed in China before the procedure.

Visual acuity testing

Slit-lamp examination (confirm PCO severity)

IOP measurement

Documents & Materials to Bring

Required to Bring

Passport and valid visa

Cataract surgery records

After Treatment

Recovery & Follow-Up

Vision improves immediately after procedure

Normal activities same day

May see minor floaters (debris) briefly, clearing within days

If transient IOP rise occurs, use prescribed IOP-lowering medication

No special care needed

Follow-Up Schedule

IOP check 1 hour after procedure, follow-up at 1 week.

Related Conditions

Conditions This Procedure Treats

Cataract

A common eye condition where the natural lens becomes cloudy, causing progressive vision loss. When vision is meaningfully affected, surgery is the main effective way to restore visual function.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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