During cataract surgery, the capsular sheath that supports the original lens is left in place to hold the new intraocular lens implant in place. One to 2 years after surgery, this capsular sheath can lose it’s transparency resulting in blurring of vision or glare driving at night. Once the vision starts to deteriorate, it can get worse quite quickly, progressing rapidly over a few months.

The loss of transparency in the capsule is termed posterior capsule opacification and Yag laser capsulotomy is the procedure used to treat this condition.