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Lens and refraction · M
YAG capsulotomy and retinal barrier laser
PCO · sealing a tear
Last reviewed: 2026-10-03 · 潘家健醫生
Key points
YAG capsulotomy treats posterior capsule opacity — not “cataract coming back,” and not every blur needs it.
Barrier laser scars around selected tears; it cannot reattach a detached retina.
After YAG, new flashes or many new floaters without curtain / sudden blindness / severe pain: same-day dilation.
A curtain, sudden blindness or severe pain: go to A&E now.
YAG posterior capsulotomy
Not a “returning cataract”. Lens epithelial cells cloud the posterior capsule. Over years this is not uncommon; rates in the literature vary and are not your personal odds. Outpatient laser, no incision. Not every blur needs YAG; a doctor judges whether it affects function. Short pressure rise and extra floaters can occur; retinal tear is uncommon. After YAG: new flashes or many new floaters, without a curtain, sudden blindness or severe pain — dilated fundus exam the same day (required). A curtain, sudden blindness or severe pain: go to A&E now. The order of the day and the diagrams are on The day of posterior capsulotomy.
Retinal barrier laser
Scars around a tear to reduce fluid going under the retina. Activity limits depend on the tear and the doctor’s instructions — not a blanket two-week sports ban. Laser cannot fix a retina that is already detached. An expanding curtain is an emergency. The order of the day and the diagrams are on The day of argon retinal barrier laser. This paragraph is not a treatment recipe. Laser cannot put a retina that has already detached back in place.
This is general medical information, not a diagnosis, and cannot replace an in-person consultation with a registered ophthalmologist, refraction, or a dilated fundus exam. It is not advice to use any medicine or undergo any procedure. Medicines (including off-label use), laser or surgery must be decided by a registered doctor after examination, according to indications and Hong Kong registration. Figures from the literature are published averages, not any clinic’s results. This site does not book, prescribe or refer. Do not change treatment on your own.
