A method and apparatus for preventing posterior capsular opacification. The apparatus includes a probe configured for insertion into the lens capsule of an eye undergoing extracapsular cataract extraction. The probe is further configured to deliver energy therefrom to tissues within the lens capsule in order to kill residual lens epithelial cells. The method includes the steps of inserting a probe constructed in accordance with the apparatus of present invention into the lens capsule of the eye, delivering energy to the probe such that residual lens epithelial cells within the lens capsule are killed, ceasing the delivery of energy to the probe, and removing the probe from the eye.