The effect of Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy on stereoacuity

• Published in: Eye (London) Vol. 23; no. 1; pp. 186 - 189
• Main Authors: Menon, G J, Wong, K K, Bundhun, T, Ewings, P, Twomey, J M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Nature Publishing Group UK 01.01.2009; Nature Publishing Group
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; clinical-study; Contrast Sensitivity - physiology; Humans; Laboratory Medicine; Laser Therapy - methods; Lens Capsule, Crystalline - surgery; Lens Diseases - surgery; Medical sciences; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Miscellaneous; Ophthalmology; Pharmaceutical Sciences/Technology; Prospective Studies; Space Perception - physiology; Surgery; Surgical Oncology; Vision, Binocular - physiology; Visual Acuity - physiology; stereoacuity; visual acuity; laser capsulotomy; posterior capsular opacification; Opacification; Capsulotomy; Treatment; Surgery; YAG laser; Posterior; Visual acuity; Ophthalmology; Stereopsis
• ISSN: 0950-222X; 1476-5454
• DOI: 10.1038/sj.eye.6702932

Aims To assess the effect of Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy in the context of unilateral posterior capsular opacification (PCO) on spatial acuity, contrast sensitivity, and stereoacuity. Methods This prospective study involved 60 consecutive subjects with unilateral PCO. The aforementioned parameters of visual function were assessed immediately prior and 3 weeks subsequent to unilateral posterior capsulotomy. Results In eyes that underwent laser posterior capsulotomy, the median spatial acuity (log minimum angle of resolution (MAR)) improved from 0.34 (20/44) to 0.16 (20/29) ( P =<0.001, Wilcoxon test), while the median contrast sensitivity improved from 22.4 to 35.5 dB ( P =<0.001, Wilcoxon test) after posterior capsulotomy. Fellow eyes exhibited negligible change in these visual parameters. The median stereoacuity improved from 240 to 60 s of arc ( P =<0.001, Wilcoxon test). Conclusion In the context of unilateral opacification of the posterior capsule, Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy affords significant improvement in stereoacuity, apparently in excess of improvements in spatial acuity and contrast sensitivity. Routine measurement and documentation of these parameters of visual function is recommended especially when subjective visual disability appears disproportionate with impairment of spatial acuity.