Publication:

Posterior capsule opacification assessment of need and outcome of Nd-YAG laser capsulotomy: a follow up of rapid assessment of avoidable blindness in a district in central India

Background Current study highlights the burden of PCO related blindness, need of Nd YAG laser in rural set up and positive and negative outcomes of Nd-YAG laser capulotomy in treating PCO.

Methods This study was conducted in 2020 at the department of ophthalmology at a medical college in central india. A total 53 such eyes were studied.

Results A 408 individuals were included with pseudophakia in one or both eyes. Mean age of pseudophakic study population was 67.9±7.6 years (range 50-92 years). Nearly 50% of the eyes had a visual acuity of less than 6/18. 40% of the pseudophakic eyes had visually significant PCO. There were 53 eyes where the visual impairment was solely due to PCO and Nd-YAG Laser capsulotomy was done for these eyes. Post Laser Treatment 79.2% of treated eyes achieved a visual acuity of ≥6/18. Most commonly encountered complications after YAG Laser Capsulotomy was IOP spike which was seen in 29.5% of eyes undergoing the procedure which was followed by IOL pitting seen in 29.7%.

Conclusions The reach of Nd-YAG laser capsulotomy is limited to these masses. A step to prevent blindness in this category of population would be to ensure vailibility of Nd-YAG laser capsulotomy. This procedure is relatively safe with few complications.