OBJECTIVE: To review the pattern of different types of posterior capsular opacification and
relative frequency of complications after YAG laser capsulotomy.
DESIGN: Descriptive case series.
SETTING: Ziauddin Medical University and Dr. Akil Bin Abdul Kadir Welfare Eye Hospital,
Karachi from May 2002 to June 2004.
PATIENTS AND METHODS: Five hundred and sixty patients were treated for capsular opacification
with Neodymium YAG (Nd: YAG) laser during study period. All procedures were done on
Ziess Visual YAG II Plus.
RESULTS: After capsulotomy, the visual acuity improved in 526 patients (93.92%) and no improvement
was seen in 34(6.08%) patients. Out of 560 patients, 314(56.07%) patients presented
with Elschnig Pearls, 237(42.33%) had capsular fibrosis and 9(1.60%) had capsular wrinkling.
The main complications were temporary increase in intraocular pressure (5 mm Hg or more)
and mild anterior uveitis. However, these complications were found to be transient in nature,
with most of these patients settling down during first week of their treatment. Four patients developed
retinal detachment, eight showed long term elevation of intraocular pressure and 2 developed
cystoid macular edema.
CONCLUSION: Nd: YAG laser is an effective and safe method for the management of posterior
capsular opacification.
Key words: Capsular opacification. Capsulotomy. Management. Complications.
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