Abstract:
ABSTRACT
Background: Posterior capsular opacification (PCO) is the most frequent late
postoperative complication following cataract surgery. Currently Nd: YAG laser
capsulotomy remains the cornerstone of treatment of PCO. However, it can be
associated with significant complications like intraocular pressure rise, intraocular lens
pitting, cracking, iritis, vitritis, retinal detachment, cystoid macular edema etc. Raised
intraocular pressure is a common complication that occurs after Nd: YAG laser
capsulotomy.
Aim: To assess the intraocular pressure changes after Nd: YAG laser capsulotomy in
patients diagnosed with posterior capsular opacification.
Materials and methods: This was a hospital based, prospective follow up study
conducted between October 2018 to April 2020.A sample of 50 patients attending the
Ophthalmology Out Patient Department at Shri B. M. Patil Medical College and
Research Centre diagnosed with visually significant posterior capsule
opacification(PCO) after cataract extraction, willing for Nd: YAG laser capsulotomy
were selected. Following an informed written consent, selected patients underwent Nd:
YAG laser capsulotomy and the number of shots, energy levels were recorded. These
patients were further followed up immediately (0 hour),1 hour,2 hours and 1 week
post laser for IOP changes, visual acuity improvement and associated complications.
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Results: It was observed that post laser, there was a significant rise of mean IOP with
increasing time, energy and number of shots and it reduced to baseline or near baseline
levels at the end of 1 week. After laser, the best corrected visual acuity(BCVA) at 1
week, was in the range of 6/24p to 6/6. Out of 50 eyes, other complications such as
transient iritis occurred in 4% of eyes, IOL pitting and transient vitritis were
encountered in 2% cases each.
Conclusion: In most of our patients, intraocular pressure returned to baseline or near
baseline IOP levels at the end of one week. Hence, regular follow up of all patients is
necessary. High skill, apt patient selection, proper focusing of laser, lesser number of
shots and minimizing energy levels can reduce the incidence of complications. Thus
Nd: YAG laser capsulotomy is a simple, relatively safe, effective and non-invasive
treatment modality for PCO.
