Publication:

Safety and efficacy of Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy in management of posterior capsular opacification

Background At present, the only effective treatment of posterior capsular opacification (PCO), which is the most common complication of modern cataract surgery, is Neodymium-Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (Nd:YAG) laser capsulotomy. There are few complications associated with this easy and quick laser capsulotomy. The current study was conducted in a tertiary hospital of Odisha with an objective to find the safety and efficacy of Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy in the management of defective vision due to posterior capsular opacity.

Methods The study was conducted among the patients attending the Ophthalmology out patient department of a tertiary hospital in Odisha with defective vision due to posterior capsular opacity after cataract surgery. Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy was carried out in all patients with significant PCO. Visual acuity and intraocular pressure were recorded before and after the procedure. The cases were carefully followed up and looked for any complication and visual acuity was assessed during follow up visits.

Results In the study 184 participants were included. Visual improvement was observed in 97.8% participants. Visual acuity improved to 6/6 in 21.73 %, 6/9 in 36.41 % cases, 6/12 in 15.21 % cases. Raised IOP was recorded among 46% of participant after 4 hrs of laser capsulotomy which was later observed among 12% of participants on follow up visit at 1 week. The most common complication recorded was transient rise of IOP (46.3%) followed by aqueous flare (28.8%).

Conclusions Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy is a noninvasive, effective, relatively safe procedure for PCO with good visual outcome.