The Effect of Nd:YAG Laser Posterior Capsulotomy on Refraction in Posterior Capsule Opacities Patients

Abstract

Backgroun & Objectives: The aim of this study is to examine the influence of Capsulotomy using Neodymiun-Doped Yttrium-Aluminum-Grant (Nd:YAG) on refraction.

Material & Methods: Thirty-Five pseudophakic eyes with posterior capsule opacification of 35 patients were included. Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy was performed  using Nd: YAG Laser 
NIDEK YC1600. Patient’s’ refraction was measured before treatment, as well as after the treatment at 1 week and 3 months. Automated refractometer was used at the department of Ophthalmology , Almouassat University Hospital, Damascus, Syria. Data were analyzed statistically.

Results: Mean age was 68.1 years ± 9.61 ( range : 46-82 years) . The average interval from the cataract surgery to Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy was 14 months ( range 8-20 months) . The mean spherical equivalent (SE) before treatment was -0.55 D ±0.91D , at 1 week after the treatment -0.45 D ±0.88D and at 3 months after the treatment -0.48 D ±0.90D . The changes in spherical equivalent were statistically insignificant. There were statistically significant differences between cylindrical power refraction before treatment -3.20 ±1.05 and at 1 week , 3 months after the treatment -1.51 ±1.15 , -1.61±1.23 respectively.

Conclusion: Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy is an effective method of treatment of posterior capsule opacification. Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy did not significantly change spherical equivalent, it led to cylinder change at 1 week and 3 months