{"id":30687,"date":"2026-08-25T21:49:25","date_gmt":"2026-08-25T19:49:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/secondary-cataract-yag-laser-capsulotomy\/"},"modified":"2026-10-03T13:14:38","modified_gmt":"2026-10-03T11:14:38","slug":"secondary-cataract-yag-laser-capsulotomy","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/en\/secondary-cataract-yag-laser-capsulotomy\/","title":{"rendered":"Secondary Cataract \u2013 YAG Laser Capsulotomy"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<!--noptimize-->\n\n\/* Lesbarkeit fuer die Zielgruppe dieser Seite: Kataraktpatienten sehen\n   kontrastarm und blendempfindlich. Gemessen am Theme-Standard: 15 px\n   Fliesstext, rund 165 Zeichen je Zeile, Links grau bei 5,7:1.\n   Streng auf diese Seite begrenzt ueber die Body-Klasse. *\/\nbody.page-id-23043 .entry-content p,\nbody.page-id-23043 .entry-content li{font-size:18px;line-height:1.65;max-width:68ch;}\nbody.page-id-23043 .entry-content h2{font-size:29px;line-height:1.25;max-width:34ch;}\nbody.page-id-23043 .entry-content h3{font-size:21px;line-height:1.3;max-width:44ch;}\nbody.page-id-23043 .entry-content a{color:#1b3a8c;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:2px;}\nbody.page-id-23043 .entry-content a:hover{color:#0f2560;}\nbody.page-id-23043 .entry-content table{font-size:17px;}\nbody.page-id-23043 .entry-content ul{max-width:68ch;}\n\n<!--\/noptimize-->\n\n<p class=\"sl-answer-kurz wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In brief:<\/strong> Secondary cataract is an opacification of the posterior lens capsule after cataract surgery, not a recurrence of the disease \u2013 the artificial lens remains transparent. It is treated with YAG laser capsulotomy: no incision, with anesthetic drops, the procedure takes 2\u20135 minutes, and vision improves within a few hours to several days. Price: PLN 800 per eye, Warsaw and Krakow.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Secondary Cataract \u2013 YAG Laser Capsulotomy in Warsaw and Krakow<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In brief:<\/strong> Secondary cataract is an opacification of the posterior lens capsule, not a recurrence of cataract. It affects approximately 20% of patients within 2\u20135 years after cataract surgery. It is treated with YAG laser capsulotomy \u2014 without incision, with topical anesthesia, in 2\u20135 minutes. The procedure is performed once; the capsule does not opacify again. Price: <strong>PLN 800 per eye<\/strong> in Warsaw and Krakow. Follow-up the next day, mandatory visit after one month.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is secondary cataract?<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">During cataract surgery, the surgeon removes the clouded lens but preserves its thin, transparent capsule \u2014 this is where the implant is placed. In some patients, the posterior wall of this capsule gradually opacifies over time and scatters light before it reaches the retina. This phenomenon is commonly referred to as secondary cataract; in medical terminology, it is <strong>posterior capsule opacification<\/strong> (PCO).<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The natural lens has been permanently removed and cannot opacify a second time. Therefore, secondary cataract is not a recurrence of the disease or a result of an error during surgery. See also: <a href=\"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/en\/cataracts\/\">cataract \u2014 symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why does it appear after cataract surgery?<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Single lens epithelial cells remain on the inner surface of the capsule. Over time, they can proliferate and migrate to the posterior wall of the capsule, forming a layer that impairs transparency. This is a natural healing reaction, not a complication of the procedure.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The risk depends, among other things, on the patient&#8217;s age, co-existing diseases, and the material and design of the implanted lens. Latest generation lenses with a sharp posterior edge significantly reduce this risk.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are the symptoms of secondary cataract?<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Symptoms resemble those experienced before cataract surgery and gradually worsen:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>gradual blurring of vision, despite earlier improvement after surgery<\/li><li>glare and halo effect around lights, especially at night<\/li><li>weakened contrast vision and a sensation of a &#8220;dirty window&#8221;<\/li><li>difficulty reading in dim light<\/li><\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Symptoms may appear from several months to several years after surgery. If vision begins to deteriorate after cataract surgery, it is advisable to undergo an examination \u2014 diagnosis takes only a few minutes.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What does YAG laser capsulotomy involve?<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Nd:YAG laser creates a small opening in the opacified posterior capsule, precisely along the visual axis. Light can once again reach the retina freely. The procedure is performed <strong>without incision<\/strong>, without sutures, and without opening the eyeball \u2014 the laser works through the cornea.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The implant remains in place and is not replaced.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How long does the procedure take and what is the process?<\/h2>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Preparation:<\/strong> pupil-dilating drops, take about 30 minutes to work<\/li><li><strong>Anesthesia:<\/strong> topical drops, no injections<\/li><li><strong>Procedure:<\/strong> 2\u20135 minutes per eye, patient sits at a slit lamp<\/li><li><strong>After the procedure:<\/strong> intraocular pressure check<\/li><li><strong>Total time at the clinic:<\/strong> approximately 2 hours<\/li><\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">During the procedure, the patient sees flashes of light and feels slight pressure from the contact lens applied to the cornea. The procedure is not painful.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What does recovery look like?<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Vision improvement is usually felt within a few hours, once pupil dilation subsides. Full stabilization occurs within a few days. For the first few weeks, some patients may see small floaters \u2014 these are capsule fragments floating in the vitreous humor, which become unnoticeable over time.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Drops after the procedure<\/h3>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Antibiotic and steroid<\/strong> \u2014 for 1 week<\/li><li><strong>Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)<\/strong> \u2014 for approximately 4 weeks<\/li><\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The prolonged use of NSAIDs is a conscious element of our protocol: it reduces the risk of macular edema, the most common complication affecting visual acuity after intraocular procedures.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Follow-up visits<\/h3>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>The next day<\/strong> \u2014 post-procedure check-up<\/li><li><strong>After one week<\/strong> \u2014 if necessary, depending on the eye&#8217;s condition<\/li><li><strong>After one month<\/strong> \u2014 mandatory check-up<\/li><\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In addition, intraocular pressure is checked immediately after the procedure, while still at the clinic.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Return to daily activities<\/h3>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Driving:<\/strong> not permitted on the day of the procedure. For some patients, it may be possible the next day \u2014 always with the ophthalmologist&#8217;s approval during the follow-up visit<\/li><li><strong>Office work:<\/strong> we recommend 4\u20137 days of rest; the final date depends on the eye&#8217;s condition<\/li><li><strong>Accompanying person:<\/strong> please arrange for one on the day of the procedure \u2014 the pupil remains dilated for several hours<\/li><\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">More about returning to form after eye procedures: <a href=\"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/blog\/rekonwalescencja-po-operacji-zacmy-co-musisz-wiedziec\/\">recovery after cataract surgery<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Contraindications and possible complications<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">YAG capsulotomy is a procedure with a high safety profile, but like any medical procedure, it has its limitations. Qualification is determined by examination.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Possible side effects:<\/strong> transient increase in intraocular pressure in the first few hours, floaters in the field of vision, transient inflammation. Rarely: macular edema, damage to the implant surface, retinal detachment.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Contraindications:<\/strong> active eye inflammation, corneal opacities preventing laser focusing, inability to maintain a stable position during the procedure.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How much does YAG capsulotomy cost?<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>PLN 800 per eye<\/strong> \u2014 this price applies in Warsaw and Krakow. A full breakdown can be found in the <a href=\"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/en\/cataract-price-list\/\">cataract treatment price list<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where do we perform the procedure?<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We perform YAG laser capsulotomy at both SwissLaser clinics. The procedure is carried out by our ophthalmologists.<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Warsaw<\/strong> \u2014 ul. Kolejowa 1. <a href=\"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/en\/cataract-surgery-in-warsaw\/\">Cataract surgery in Warsaw<\/a><\/li><li><strong>Krakow<\/strong> \u2014 ul. Kluczborska 15. <a href=\"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/en\/cataract-treatment-in-krakow\/\">Cataract treatment in Krakow<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/en\/book-an-appointment\/\">Schedule a qualification examination<\/a> \u2014 assessment of the posterior capsule takes a few minutes.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sources<\/h2>\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list sl-sources sl-zrodla-zacma\">\n<li>Awasthi N, Guo S, Wagner BJ. Posterior capsular opacification: a problem reduced but not yet eradicated. Arch Ophthalmol 2009;127(4):555\u2013562. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1001\/archophthalmol.2009.3\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">doi:10.1001\/archophthalmol.2009.3<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Karahan E, Er D, Kaynak S. An overview of Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy. Med Hypothesis Discov Innov Ophthalmol 2014;3(2):45\u201350. <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC4181199\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">PMC4181199<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Miller KM, Oetting TA, Tweeten JP et al. Cataract in the Adult Eye Preferred Practice Pattern. Ophthalmology 2022;129(1):P1\u2013P126. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.ophtha.2021.10.006\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">doi:10.1016\/j.ophtha.2021.10.006<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n<p class=\"sl-medical-review wp-block-paragraph\">Content substantively verified by Dr. med. univ. (Vienna) Victor Derhartunian, FEBO, FWCRS \u2013 specialist in refractive and corneal surgery, chief surgeon at SwissLaser (Warsaw, Krakow) and EyeLaser (Vienna, Zurich). Last verification: October 2, 2026.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions about Secondary Cataract<\/h2>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is secondary cataract a recurrence of cataract?<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. The natural lens has been permanently removed and cannot opacify again. The posterior capsule, where the implant is placed, becomes cloudy \u2014 therefore, the correct term is posterior capsule opacification.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Does the procedure hurt?<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. YAG capsulotomy is performed under topical anesthesia, without incision. The patient only feels flashes of light and slight pressure from the contact lens applied to the eye.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How long does laser capsulotomy take?<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The procedure itself usually takes 2\u20135 minutes per eye. Including pupil dilation and post-procedure pressure check, you should plan for approximately 2 hours at the clinic.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When will sharp vision return?<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Improvement is usually felt within a few hours, after pupil dilation subsides. Full stabilization occurs within a few days.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Does the procedure need to be repeated?<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. The opening in the capsule remains permanent, and the capsule does not opacify again. Capsulotomy is performed once per eye.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can I drive after the procedure?<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not on the day of the procedure \u2014 the pupil remains dilated for several hours, so we ask for an accompanying person. For some patients, driving may be possible the next day, always with the ophthalmologist&#8217;s approval during the follow-up visit.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When can I return to work?<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For office work, we recommend 4\u20137 days of rest; the final date depends on the eye&#8217;s condition and is determined at the follow-up check the next day.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What drops are used after capsulotomy?<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An antibiotic and steroid for one week, and a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug for approximately 4 weeks. Prolonged use of NSAIDs reduces the risk of macular edema.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How many follow-up visits are needed?<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A check-up the next day, if necessary after one week, and mandatory after one month. Additionally, intraocular pressure is checked immediately after the procedure, while still at the clinic.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How much does YAG capsulotomy cost at SwissLaser?<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">PLN 800 per eye, in Warsaw and Krakow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" id=\"swisslaser-post-schema\">\n{\n \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n \"@graph\": [\n  {\n   \"@type\": \"MedicalWebPage\",\n   \"@id\": \"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/en\/secondary-cataract-yag-laser-capsulotomy\/#medpage\",\n   \"url\": \"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/en\/secondary-cataract-yag-laser-capsulotomy\/\",\n   \"name\": \"Secondary Cataract \u2013 YAG Laser Capsulotomy\",\n   \"description\": \"Secondary cataract is an opacification of the posterior lens capsule, not a recurrence of cataract. YAG capsulotomy: no incision, 2\u20135 minutes, PLN 800 per eye. 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Streng auf diese Seite begrenzt ueber die Body-Klasse. *\/ body.page-id-23043 .entry-content p, body.page-id-23043 .entry-content li{font-size:18px;line-height:1.65;max-width:68ch;} body.page-id-23043 .entry-content h2{font-size:29px;line-height:1.25;max-width:34ch;} body.page-id-23043 .entry-content h3{font-size:21px;line-height:1.3;max-width:44ch;} body.page-id-23043 .entry-content a{color:#1b3a8c;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:2px;} body.page-id-23043 .entry-content a:hover{color:#0f2560;} body.page-id-23043&hellip;&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"neve_meta_sidebar":"","neve_meta_container":"","neve_meta_enable_content_width":"","neve_meta_content_width":0,"neve_meta_title_alignment":"","neve_meta_author_avatar":"","neve_post_elements_order":"","neve_meta_disable_header":"","neve_meta_disable_footer":"","neve_meta_disable_title":"","neve_meta_reading_time":"","_themeisle_gutenberg_block_has_review":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-30687","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/30687","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=30687"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/30687\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":31243,"href":"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/30687\/revisions\/31243"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/swisslaser.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=30687"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}