The Effects of Nd:YAG Laser Posterior Capsulotomy on Macular Thickness, Intraocular Pressure, and Visual Acuity

• Published in: Ophthalmic surgery, lasers & imaging Vol. 43; no. 5; pp. 395 - 400
• Main Authors: Seyhmus Ari, Abdullah Kürsat Cingü, Alparslan Sahin, Yasin Çinar, Ihsan Çaça
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States SLACK INCORPORATED 01.09.2012
• Subjects: Capsule Opacification - surgery; Eye diseases; Eyes & eyesight; Female; Humans; Intraocular Pressure - physiology; Laser surgery; Laser Therapy; Lasers, Solid-State - adverse effects; Macular Edema - etiology; Macular Edema - physiopathology; Male; Ocular Hypertension - etiology; Ocular Hypertension - physiopathology; Ophthalmoscopy; Phacoemulsification; Postoperative Complications; Retina - pathology; Surgical outcomes; Surgical techniques; Tonometry, Ocular; Vision Disorders - etiology; Vision Disorders - physiopathology; Visual acuity; Visual Acuity - physiology
• ISSN: 1542-8877; 2325-8160; 1938-2375; 2325-8179
• DOI: 10.3928/15428877-20120705-03

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To evaluate how different energy levels of Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy affect best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), and macular thickness of patients with posterior capsule opacification. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty eyes of 30 patients with posterior capsule opacification following phacoemulsification were enrolled in the study. Patients were classified according to total energy used during Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy (⩽ 80 mJ = group I, > 80 mJ = group II). RESULTS: Mean total energy levels were 58 ± 18 mJ (range: 14 to 80 mJ) in group I and 117 ± 36 mJ (range: 84 to 200 mJ) in group II. BCVA at 1 week preoperatively and 1 and 3 months postoperatively was significantly better compared to preoperative BCVA in both groups (Mean total energy levels were 58 ± 18 mJ (range: 14 to 80 mJ) in group I and 117 ± 36 mJ (range: 84 to 200 mJ) in group II. BCVA at 1 week preoperatively and 1 and 3 months postoperatively was significantly better compared to preoperative BCVA in both groups ( P < .001). In group I, IOP increased 1 week postoperatively ( P = .007) and declined to preoperative levels at 1 month. In group II, IOP increased 1 week postoperatively ( P = .001) and did not return to preoperative levels during 3 months of follow-up ( P = .04). Both groups had increased macular thickness compared to preoperative levels, but group II measurements were significantly higher 1 week and 1 month postoperatively compared to group I ( P = .004 and .03, respectively). CONCLUSION: Increased IOP and macular thickness are inevitable after Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy, but the severity and duration are less when a total energy level less than 80 mJ is used.