Mahmooda Soni Wali, Arif Khan, Zahid Jadoon.
Nd: Yag Laser Capsulotomy: Visual Outcomes & Complications, a Comparison of Two Techniques, Cruciate vs Circular.
Ophthalmol Update Jan ;14(1):57-60.

Cataract is one of the leading causes of curable blindness in the world. Extra capsular cataract extraction, phacoemulsification and manual small incision cataract surgery is a popular method for treatment of cataract with posterior chamber IOL. Posterior capsular opacification is a common late complication of cataract surgery as a result of proliferation of residual lens epithelial cells which causes fibrotic changes and wrinkling of the posterior capsule. PCO Usually develops within 2 years after cataract surgery causing decreased vision. Neodymium yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser posterior capsulotomy is a safe technique, performed in the outpatient department, for making an opening in the opactified posterior capsules. Laser shots can be applied in several patterns such as "Cruciate or Cross pattern", "Cane opener", "U-Method" and in a "Circular pattern". Like all procedures, Nd: Yag capsulotomy is also associated with certain complications. Materials & Methods: A randomized clinical trial was done in the outpatient Eye Department of NBMH to assess the visual out come and complications by comparing two techniques of Nd: YAG Laser Capsulotomy Cruciate pattern VS Circular Capsulotomy. Results: In this study, 58 eyes of 58 patients were divided into two groups. In one group cruciate pattern of laser shots were given and in the 2nd group circular pattern of laser shots was used. Immediate visual outcome on 1st day was better with circular pattern. The incidence of IOP spike was less with circular pattern as compared to cruciate pattern. The IOL Lens pitting, CME and retinal detachment were not observed in patients who underment circular pattern laser capsulotomies. Conclusion: The circular pattern technique is safe and effective. Rapid visual recovery is achieved. Its use in routine management of PCO is suggested.

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