Posters

The effect of Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy on best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOL) and central macular thickness (CMT)

Poster Details

First Author: L.Kazantzidis GREECE

Co Author(s):    E. Karakosta   T. Vachtsevanos   T. Topalidis   D. Tsakpinis   E. Kaldi  

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To investigate how different energy levels of Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy effect best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOL) and central macular thickness (CMT) of patients with posterior capsule opacification. Other parameters such as anterior chamber depth (ACD) changes and post treatment complications were also evaluated.

Setting:

Ophthalmology clinic, «O Agios Dimitrios» General Hospital of Thessaloniki

Methods:

Sixty eyes of 52 patients with posterior capsular opacification after uncomplicated phacoemulsification surgery and intraocular lens implantation were enrolled in our study. Patients were classified in 3 groups according to total energy levels used during Nd: YAG laser capsulotomy treatment for PCO (≤ 60 mJ = group I, > 60 - 100 mJ = group II, > 100 mJ = group III). Changes in BCVA, IOP, ACD, and CMT were compared between three groups before treatment and on day 1, week 1, 1 month and 3 months after laser treatment.

Results:

BCVA at 1 week preoperatively and 1 month and 3 months postoperatively was significantly better compared to preoperative BCVA in all three groups (P <0 .001). Mean total energy levels were 39 ± 14 mJ in group I, 72 ± 14 mJ in group II and 135 ± 35 mJ in group III. In group I there were no statistically significant increase in CMT during all follow ups Both groups II and II had increased CMT compared to preoperative levels, but group II measurements were significantly higher 1 week and 1 month postoperatively compared to group I.

Conclusions:

Nd:YAG capsulotomy is an effective and safe noninvasive treatment for PCO with immediate improvement on BCVA. Rise in IOP and CMT seems to be significantly influenced by laser energy levels required for capsulotomy. Using less total energy is a wise choice to decrease complications after Nd: YAG treatment. FINANCIAL DISCLOUSRE: NONE