The YAG laser procedure is a fast and non-invasive way to restore clear vision, most commonly performed as a YAG capsulotomy to address cloudiness that can occur after cataract surgery. This clouding, known as posterior capsule opacification (PCO) or a secondary cataract, impairs vision by blocking light from reaching the retina. Recovery from this laser treatment is rapid, with most patients noticing significant improvement within hours or a few days. Because the procedure creates a precise opening in the cloudy membrane without a surgical incision, the recovery process is straightforward and involves minimal disruption to daily life.
What to Expect Immediately After the Procedure
The immediate post-procedure experience is dominated by the effects of dilation. Your eye is dilated before the YAG capsulotomy to give the surgeon a clear view, causing temporary blurriness and increased light sensitivity. This dilation typically takes several hours to wear off, meaning your vision will remain hazy for six to eight hours following the treatment. You must arrange for transportation home and wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from bright light.
You may also experience mild irritation, scratchiness, or a gritty feeling in the treated eye, which is a temporary reaction. A more noticeable effect is the appearance of new floaters—small specks or strands that drift across your field of vision. These floaters are tiny fragments of the cloudy capsule broken up by the laser, suspended within the vitreous gel. While distracting, they are a normal part of the immediate aftermath.
The Standard Recovery Timeline
The most dramatic improvements in vision begin to appear once the effects of the dilation drops have subsided. Most patients find that clear vision is restored within the first 24 to 48 hours following the procedure. This rapid return to clarity is due to the immediate clearing of the visual axis by the laser.
The floaters created by the laser need time to settle or be absorbed. While most prominent in the first few hours, these floaters usually begin to diminish and become less bothersome over the first week. Visual stabilization is achieved within one week, allowing patients to resume all normal activities, including driving, once their vision has fully cleared. Since the procedure is non-incisional, there are no restrictions on physical activity, and most people can return to work or exercise within a day or two.
Post-Procedure Care and When to Call the Doctor
Following the YAG capsulotomy, you may be prescribed anti-inflammatory eye drops to manage any swelling inside the eye and ensure a smooth healing process. It is important to use these drops exactly as directed by your eye care specialist. In some cases, your doctor may also prescribe drops to temporarily manage intraocular pressure, which can sometimes spike briefly after the laser treatment. A follow-up appointment is often scheduled within a week or two to check healing progress and confirm that the intraocular pressure is stable.
While complications are uncommon, patients must monitor for warning signs. You should contact your doctor immediately if you experience severe or worsening pain that does not resolve, or a sudden, marked decrease in vision. Other warning signs include new, sudden flashes of light or a dramatic increase in the number of floaters, which could indicate a rare complication like retinal detachment.