• YAG Laser TreatmentYAG Laser Treatment

    YAG Laser Treatment

    A YAG laser treatment uses focused light energy to precisely clear clouded eye tissue and improve vision after cataract surgery.

What is YAG Laser Treatment?

A YAG laser (short for yttrium-aluminium-garnet laser) is commonly used in ophthalmology for precise, non-invasive eye treatments. You might need a YAG laser procedure for one of the following reasons:

  • Posterior Capsular Opacification (PCO) – This is the most common reason. After cataract surgery, the capsule that holds the artificial lens can become cloudy over time, causing blurred or hazy vision. A YAG laser capsulotomy creates a small opening in that cloudy capsule to restore clear vision.
  • Narrow-Angle Glaucoma – In some cases, a YAG laser iridotomy is performed to create a tiny hole in the iris, improving fluid drainage and reducing eye pressure.
  • Secondary Lens Procedures – Occasionally, YAG lasers are used to adjust or clear membranes around implanted lenses after certain surgeries.

The procedure is quick, painless, and done in the clinic — vision often improves within hours or days, with minimal recovery time.

Upto 30%

of patients who have cataract surgery require YAG laser treatment

30 percent yag laser

What are the symptoms to look out for?

YAG capsulotomy is a safe, non- invasive procedure and serious complications are rare. If you notice any changes in your vision, your optometrist or ophthalmologist can advise whether YAG laser treatment would help.

You may benefit from YAG laser treatment if you notice:

1
Sudden blurring after cataract surgery
2
Difficulty reading or seeing fine details
3
Increased glare or light sensitivity
4
“Halos”, ghosting or blurred outlines
5
A gradual decline in visual quality

When do you need to see a GP or optometrist?

1
Make an appointment for an eye exam if you have injured your eye and notice any changes in your vision.
2
If you develop sudden vision changes, such as double vision or flashes of light, sudden eye pain, or a sudden headache.

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YAG laser treatment is a quick, painless procedure that uses a focused laser to clear cloudy tissue affecting vision after cataract surgery.

Some people develop “posterior capsule opacification,” a common clouding behind the artificial lens. The YAG laser opens this membrane to restore clear vision.

No. The procedure is painless and usually takes only a few minutes. Most patients notice improved vision shortly afterward.

Your eye is dilated, and the doctor uses a laser to create a tiny opening in the cloudy membrane. No incisions or injections are needed.

Most people resume normal activities the same day. You may receive anti-inflammatory drops and have a follow-up to check eye pressure.

Like any medical procedure, YAG laser treatment carries some risks, although serious complications are uncommon. Most people notice clearer vision afterwards, although results can vary.

Your YAG laser treatment pathway

Below is an overview of a typical patient journey for YAG laser treatments. Our team works closely with your GP or optometrist to ensure you receive the highest standard of care, tailored treatment, and the best possible outcomes.

  • Pre-operative assessment

    Our clinical team will test your vision and check the eye pressure. Drops to dilate your pupils will be put into both eyes before the clinician’s examination. Please note that these drops may make your vision blurry for about four hours, therefore you will need someone to drive you home after this appointment. You will have the opportunity to raise any queries or concerns with members of the clinical team during your pre-assessment.

  • The procedure

    Your vision will be checked first, so if you wear glasses, please bring them with you to the appointment. Drops will be used to dilate the pupil of the eye being treated, and they may blur your vision for several hours. You will not be able to drive after using these drops, so please come with a companion or arrange transport home.

    The procedure is carried out using a laser attached to a standard slit lamp microscope. Anaesthetic drops are used to keep the eye comfortable, and a small contact lens may be placed on the eye to help guide the laser. The procedure takes about 5 to 10 minutes. You may notice bright lights and hear soft beeps, but most people experience very little discomfort

  • After the treatment

    Your vision will be blurred immediately after the YAG laser treatment, but it should improve over the following few hours.

Are you a GP or optometrist looking to make a referral?

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YAG laser treatment available at the following clinics

  • Cork -

    Cork

    Veonet Ireland Cork, 1st Floor, 2 Park Place, City Gate Mahon, Cork, T12DH0FVisit location
  • Belfast -

    Belfast

    Veonet Ireland Belfast, Health & Wellbeing Park, Kings Hall, Upper Lisburn Rd, Belfast BT9 6GWVisit location
  • Dublin Carrickmines -

    Dublin Carrickmines

    Veonet Ireland Dublin Carrickmines, 3rd Floor, The Herbert Building, The Park, Carrickmines, Dublin 18, D18 K8Y4Visit location

Still have questions?

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we’ll get back to you as soon as possible within
clinic opening hours.

Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday 07:30 – 17:30

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If you prefer not to complete the online forms or call, you can reach us directly using the group email addresses listed below. A member of our team will then get in touch with you through your preferred method of communication.

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