Waseem Ahmed Khan, Saba Haider Tarar.
Nd-Yag Laser Capsulotomy Efficacy vs Complications.
Ophthalmol Update Jan ;12(2):101-3.

Objective: To evaluate efficacy and complications of Nd YAG laser capsulotomy in patients of posterior capsular opacification. Materials and Methods: This prospective case study was conducted at the Department of Ophthalmology, Divisional Headquarters Teaching Hospital affiliated with Mohi-ud-Din Medical College, Mirpur, Pakistan over a period of 10 months i-e from December 2012 to Sep 2013.Two hundred patients with significant posterior capsular opacity, were subjected to laser treatment after performing pre laser visual assessment. Nd YAG laser posterior capsulotomy was carried out with Qswitched SYL 9000 YAG laser system under topical anesthesia with Abrahams capsulatomy lense. These patients were assessed for post laser visual acuity and possible complications. Post laser treatment was advised to each patient as needed. Results: Out of 200 patients, 80 (40%) were male and 120(60%) were female. The patients were subdivided into various age groups. The age group 1 was from 11 to 30 years, age group 2 was between 31-40 years, age group 3 was from 41 -50 years and last group i.e., 4 included patients who were more than 50 years of age. The age group 1,2,3 and 4 had frequency of PCO of about 5 patients( 2.5%),12 patients( 6%), 17 patients (8.5%) and166 patients( 83%) respectively. The time interval between cataract surgery and laser was from 03 months to 4 years. The best corrected visual acuity of 6/9-6/6 was achieved from zero to 76.5% whereas the frequency of poor best corrected visual acuity (6/60-CF) was reduced from 67.5% to 3% only. Discussion: During and following Nd YAG laser capsulotomy, out of 200 patients, 44 (22%) of the patients developed complications while 156(78%) patients remained free of any complication. About 30 patients (15%) developed intra ocular lens pitting. 10 patients (5%) developed rise in IOP. 02 patients (1%) showed rupture of anterior vitreous face, 02(1%) patients developed cystoid macular edema. Conclusion: The Nd YAG laser procedure is absolutely safe and effective. It has additional benefit of being carried out on OPD basis to create an opening in opaque posterior capsule and leads to marked improvement in vision.

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