BACKGROUND We studied retinal detachment following YAG laser capsulotomy, to determine risk factors, semiology, management, and prognosis. Material and methods During a period of six years, we observed 24 cases: group A: 19 patients aged between 41 and 75 years (19 eyes); group B: 3 patients aged less than 25 years (5 eyes). RESULTS The mean time interval between posterior capsulotomy and diagnosis of retinal detachment was 14 months for group A, 21 months for group B. The patients in group B presented a clear tendancy to bilateralization. Retinal detachment was total or subtotal in 25% of the cases. The macula was detached in 58%. We could not identify any retinal lesion in 16% and found suspect zones with no clear evidence of dehiscence in 17%. Anatomic success was achieved in 88% of the cases. The proliferative vitreoretinopathy was the main cause of recurrence. Mean visual acuity of the patients who had a re-attached retina was 4.9/10. Seventy-three per cent of the patients recovered a visual acuity > or = 4/10. CONCLUSIONS The clinical characteristics of the post-YAG retinal detachment did not differ from those seen in pseudophakic eyes. Some process may reduce the incidence and improve the prognosis of this type of retinal detachment. Retinal detachment. Retinal detachment in young adults. YAG laser.