YAG Surgery
Less than 9 second laser
Less invasive
No more dry eyes
Higher degree of Accuracy
What is YAG Surgery?
YAG laser surgery is a medical procedure that uses a specialised laser to treat eye conditions such as posterior capsule opacification (PCO), often referred to as secondary cataracts. It is a precise, non-invasive technique designed to restore and improve vision by addressing cloudiness or other obstructions in the visual pathway.
The Procedure
Preparation
Eye drops will relax your eyes, and you'll sit in a comfy exam chair.
Positioning
A special lens may be placed on your eye, preventing it from moving and helping focus the laser.
Laser Application
The YAG laser is used to clear obstructions and create an opening, helping light pass through to the retina for clearer vision, all completely painless.
Duration
The laser treatment itself takes only a few minutes per eye. The total time in the office, including preparation and post-procedure checks, is typically about 30 minutes.
Why Might You Need YAG Surgery?
- Posterior Capsule Opacification (PCO): A condition where a cloudy membrane forms behind the lens implant following cataract surgery. PCO is one of the most common reasons for YAG laser treatment.
- Glaucoma: In some cases, a YAG laser is used to perform a peripheral iridotomy, creating a small hole in the iris to alleviate intraocular pressure.
- Persistent Floaters: Although rare, YAG laser vitreolysis may be performed to break up and reduce floaters in the eye.
Benefits of YAG Surgery
YAG Surgery offers many benefits, including:
- Non-Invasive Procedure: No surgical cuts or stitches are involved.
- Safe and Effective: Proven high success rates with minimal risk of complications.
- Minimal Recovery Times: Most patients resume their regular activities within a day.
Treatment journey
Your 5 step journey to visual excellence.
Stage 1
Initial assessment
A thorough and in-depth initial assessment is performed to determine if you are a suitable candidate for your preferred treatment
Stage 2
Meet your consultant
At this meeting with your Surgeon, we will identify and discuss a recommended, fully personalised treatment pathway.
Stage 3
Finalise your treatment
You’ll meet our Patient Care Manager to discuss treatment details and financial arrangements during your visit.
Stage 4
Have your treatment
On your procedure day, our Nurse and Clinical Team ensure your comfort, making the virtually painless surgery a swift experience.
Stage 5
Comprehensive aftercare
Our aftercare package ensures safety and successful treatment, including one year of post-treatment care for select laser eye surgery procedure.
YAG Surgerey Payment Plans
Finance Options, Designed for You
Quality vision care shouldn’t be out of reach. Our flexible, interest-free plans let you focus on your treatment and recovery — not the cost.
Interest Free
With our interest-free payment plan, you can focus on your treatment, not the cost, with no extra charges or hidden fees.
Long-Term Payment
Get more time to enjoy life and less time worrying about how to pay, with treatment costs spread over 24 to 60 months.
YAG Procedure
YAG SURGERY
The Procedure
YAG laser surgery is a medical procedure that uses a specialised laser to treat eye conditions such as posterior capsule opacification (PCO), often referred to as secondary cataracts. It is a precise, non-invasive technique designed to restore and improve vision by addressing cloudiness or other obstructions in the visual pathway.
Step By Step
How is the Procedure Performed?
Preparation
Eye drops will relax your eyes, and you'll sit in a comfy exam chair.
Positioning
A special lens may be placed on your eye, preventing it from moving and helping focus the laser.
Laser Application
The YAG laser is used to clear obstructions and create an opening, helping light pass through to the retina for clearer vision, all completely painless.
Duration
The laser treatment itself takes only a few minutes per eye. The total time in the office, including preparation and post-procedure checks, is typically about 30 minutes.
Completion
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Treatable treatments
Why Might You Need YAG Surgery?
A condition where a cloudy membrane forms behind the lens implant following cataract surgery. PCO is one of the most common reasons for YAG laser treatment.
In some cases, a YAG laser is used to perform a peripheral iridotomy, creating a small hole in the iris to alleviate intraocular pressure.
Although rare, YAG laser vitreolysis may be performed to break up and reduce floaters in the eye.
World's Most Advanced Laser Eye Surgery
What To Expect
- Preparation: No extensive preparation is needed. Patients are advised to continue their usual routine unless otherwise directed.
- Eye Drops: Your doctor will administer eye drops to dilate your pupils and numb your eyes before the procedure begins. This ensures comfort and optimal visibility for the treatment.
- Duration: The procedure typically takes only 5-10 minutes per eye.
- Painless Process: The YAG laser creates microscopic openings or removes obstructions with no need for incisions.
- Sensations: You may notice bright flashes of light or hear clicking sounds, but these are normal and not painful.
- Immediate Recovery: Vision may be slightly blurry or hazy immediately after the treatment due to the dilation and light effects.
- Improved Vision: Most patients experience a noticeable improvement in vision within hours to a few days.
- Follow-Up: A follow-up appointment may be scheduled to monitor your recovery and ensure the treatment’s success.
World's Most Advanced Laser Eye Surgery
Outcomes
- Clearer Vision: Patients typically experience a significant improvement in clarity and focus.
- Permanent Solution for PCO: Once treated, posterior capsule opacification rarely recurs.
- Enhanced Quality of Life: Restored vision enables you to resume daily activities and enjoy hobbies more comfortably.
Benefits of VisuMax 800
No surgical cuts or stitches are involved.
The Visumax 800 has intelligent systems such as CentraLign (Easy centration with minimal effort) and OcuLign (for cyclotorsion adjustment). This allows for greater accuracy.
Proven high success rates with minimal risk of complications.
Most patients resume their regular activities within a day.
Typically covered by insurance if deemed medically necessary.
World-Class SMILE Laser Eye Surgeons and Practitioners
Our team of specialised Consultant Ophthalmologists and Surgeons offer world-class patient experiences and outcomes for SMILE Laser Eye Surgery.

Prof. Jonathan Moore
Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
Profile
Professor Johnny Moore is a renowned Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon specialising in cataract surgery and advanced intraocular procedures, with over 25,000 successful treatments to his name. As Clinical Director of Cathedral Eye Clinic in Belfast, Prof. Moore combines his extensive surgical expertise with a passion for teaching and innovation. He has been pivotal in advancing cataract surgery techniques, including the development of precise intraocular lens (IOL) power prediction methods and the integration of cutting-edge laser technologies. Prof. Moore also spearheads global cataract surgery education through online training platforms and partnerships with organizations in underserved regions, ensuring access to high-quality surgical knowledge worldwide.

Mr Niraj Mandal
Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
Profile
Mr. Mandal, an esteemed ophthalmic surgeon, has performed over 3,000 eye procedures and consulted with more than 8,000 patients, specialising in cataract surgery and refractive lens exchange. With advanced training from institutions like Moorfields Eye Hospital and the University of British Columbia, he brings a wealth of expertise in complex corneal and cataract cases. A Fellow of both the European and Royal Colleges of Ophthalmology, he combines precision surgical skills with a passion for innovation, evident through his global contributions and research in ocular health. Patients benefit from his exceptional care and commitment to improving vision worldwide.

Mr Stephen Stewart
Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
Profile
Mr Stephen Stewart, MBBS MA PgDipCRS CertLRS FRCOphth, is a Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon specialising in cataract surgery, including complex cases and astigmatism correction. A graduate of Cambridge and UCL, he trained in Northern Ireland and completed advanced fellowships in Belfast and Singapore. A Fellow of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, he holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Cataract Surgery and actively contributes to the National Ophthalmology Database Audit. Stephen is also involved in research on machine learning for cataract outcomes and has provided cataract surgery in resource-limited settings with the Khmer Sight Foundation.
Common questions
Here are some frequently asked questions from laser eye patients just like you.
No, the procedure is painless. Eye drops are used to numb your eyes, and while you may see flashes of light, there is no discomfort.
Many patients experience improved vision within hours. However, it may take up to a week for some individuals to notice the full effect.
Side effects are rare but may include temporary blurriness, mild eye irritation, or floaters. These usually resolve on their own.
The procedure itself takes 5-10 minutes per eye, but expect to spend about 30 minutes in the clinic for preparation and post-procedure evaluation.
YAG laser surgery is often covered by insurance when deemed medically necessary, such as for treating PCO. Check with your provider for specifics.
Yes, in most cases, both eyes can be treated in the same session if required. Your doctor will discuss the best approach for your situation.
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