When can I go back to work after YAG laser capsulotomy?

This is an office procedure that the AAO describes as taking about 5 minutes, done with numbing drops in your ophthalmologist's office or an outpatient surgery center. Most of the appointment is waiting for your pupil to dilate. Because there is no incision and no sedation in most cases, the limiting factor on returning to work is simply how well you can see.

For the rest of the day of the laser, that answer is usually not well enough. Dilation leaves vision blurry and light harsh for several hours, and the AAO notes you may need someone to drive you home. Most people plan to be out for the afternoon. By the next morning things typically look better, with an AAO ophthalmologist writing that a capsulotomy will usually improve vision by the next day and the AAO patient page putting fuller improvement at about 48 hours.

Match the return to what your job demands. Desk and screen work generally resumes as soon as vision is comfortable. If you drive commercially, operate machinery, or need fine detail vision or good night vision, get your surgeon's clearance first rather than guessing, and mention any lingering glare or floaters when you ask.