The Effect Of Nd: Yag Laser Posterior Capsulotomy On Anterior And Posterior Segment Parameters

To investigate the effect of Nd: YAG laser posterior capsulotomy on anterior and posterior segment parameters.

Beyoglu Eye Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey 

The medical records of pseudophakic patients who underwent laser capsulotomy due to posterior capsule opacification were reviewed. Patients with diabetes mellitus, retinal disorders, glaucoma, and exfoliation syndrome were excluded. Pre- and post-procedure 1st month best corrected visual acuity (BCVA-Snellen), spherical equivalent(SE), intraocular pressure(IOP), endothelial cell count(ECC), corneal thickness(CT), anterior chamber depth(ACD), iridocorneal angle(ICA), mean keratometry, central macular thickness(CMT) and macular volume(MV) values were recorded. ECC was measured by specular microscopy. Keratometry,CT,ACD, and ICA values were measured with Sirius corneal topography. MT and MV values were obtained by optical coherence tomography.

27 eyes (15 right-12 left) of 27 patients (12 females-15 males) were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 64.3 ± 14.4 years. An average of 25.6 ± 13.8 mJ energy was used in a capsulotomy procedure. The BCVA values of the patients increased from 0.42 ± 0.29 to 0.87 ± 0.15 (p<0.001). The mean ACD before the procedure was 3.74 ± 0.33 mm; it decreased after the procedure and was measured as 3.48 ± 0.34 mm (p<0.001). No statistically significant changes were observed after the procedure in terms of the mean SE, IOP, ECC, CT, ICA, keratometry values, and CMT and MV values (each p-value>0.05). No complications such as cystoid macular edema or corneal decompensation were observed.

Nd: YAG laser posterior capsulotomy is a safe method for anterior and posterior segments. While ACD decreased after Nd: YAG laser posterior capsulotomy; SE, IOP, ECC, CT, ICA, keratometry, and macular thickness values do not change. Although the decrease in ACD is not enough to affect the refractive values, it may affect the visual results in conditions such as the presence of a presbyopia-correcting intraocular lens.