If your vision has gradually become hazy or cloudy months or years after cataract surgery, you’re not alone — and nothing has gone wrong with your surgery. It’s a common condition called posterior capsule opacification, and it’s easily treated with a quick, painless in-office laser procedure at our North Bend location.
During cataract surgery, your natural lens is removed from a thin, clear membrane called the capsule and replaced with an artificial lens. That artificial lens sits inside this membrane, and for most patients, the membrane stays perfectly clear.
But over time — months or even years later — this membrane can become cloudy or wrinkled. This is called posterior capsule opacification (PCO). You might hear it called a “secondary cataract,” but that’s misleading. Your artificial lens is perfectly fine. It’s the membrane behind it that needs attention.
A YAG capsulotomy uses a laser to create a small, painless opening in the cloudy membrane, letting light pass through clearly again. It’s one of the most common laser procedures in ophthalmology — and one of the simplest.
Nothing went wrong. If you’re reading this because your vision isn’t as sharp as it was after cataract surgery, don’t worry. PCO is a normal part of how your eye heals. A significant percentage of cataract surgery patients eventually develop it. The fix is quick, and the results are lasting.
Most patients are referred by their optometrist, who has already identified that a YAG capsulotomy would help. In many cases, we can do your consultation and laser in the same visit — one trip, done.
If you’re not sure whether you need a YAG, schedule a comprehensive eye exam with one of our optometrists. They’ll determine whether posterior capsule opacification is the cause of your blurry vision or whether something else needs to be addressed first.
No. Your artificial lens is permanent and working fine. The cloudiness is on the membrane behind the lens, and the YAG laser clears it. It’s a completely different — and much simpler — procedure than cataract surgery.
No. Your eye is dilated and the laser is focused through a lens placed gently on your eye. Most patients feel nothing or just a mild sensation. The whole thing takes a minute or two.
Most patients notice improvement within a day or two. Some notice it right away.
No. Once the membrane is opened, it stays open. YAG capsulotomy is a one-time treatment.
If you had cataract surgery and your vision has gradually become hazy, cloudy, or just not as crisp as it was after surgery, it’s worth getting checked. Your optometrist can tell you during a dilated exam whether PCO is the cause.
You can request a consultation below or call us directly at 425.831.2020. If your optometrist has already confirmed you need a YAG, we can often schedule your consultation and laser in the same visit.
Dr. Dale performs YAG capsulotomy at our North Bend office. It’s a quick, routine procedure that restores the clear vision you had after your original cataract surgery.
Our optometrists are often the ones who identify that you need a YAG capsulotomy during your regular eye exams. They’ll refer you to Dr. Dale, and continue managing your overall eye health afterward.
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No referral needed. New patients always welcome.
Related: Cataract surgery • What is a cataract? • Comprehensive eye exam
Medically reviewed by Dr. Rebecca Dale, MD — April 1, 2026
