European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Aim: Visual outcomes and complications after Neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet laser capsulotomy in Posterior capsular opacification
Materials and methods: A prospective interventional study was conducted in the Department of Ophthalmology, Nalanda Medical College and Hospital, Patna, Bihar, India. Total 100 patients who were previously operated for cataract by routine ECCE/SICS or Phacoemulsification with or without intraocular lens attending OPD in Ophthalmology department and satisfied the eligibility criteria, were included in this study. After through ocular examination Nd-YAG capsulotomy for PCO was done.
Results: In this study maximum number 43(43%) patients who were having PCO, had a history of cataract surgery >24 month back. 32(32%) patients developed PCO in a period 0f 12 months to 24 months of cataract surgery. In 18 patients duration between cataract surgery and PCO was 6-12 months. In 7(7%) patients PCO developed within 6 months of cataract surgery. As table 2 showed, Capsular fibrosis were found in 61(61%), Elschenig’s pearls in 22 (22%), capsular wrinkling in 15 (15%) and pigmentary deposits on capsule in 2 (2%) of cases.The maximum number of patients were having grade 2 PCO 50(50%), followed by grade 1 with 26 (26%) and grade 3 with 24 (24%) cases. In this study, majority of patients 71(71%) had VA of 6/36 or less before capsulotomy. Among these 71(71%) patients, 43(43%) had VA of less than 6/60 ranging from hand movement to counting of fingers. The VA after Neodymium-YAG laser capsulotomy showed dramatic improvement.
Conclusion: The posterior capsular opacification is a common complication after cataract surgery worldwide and it can be managed safely by Nd:YAG Laser posterior capsulotomy. Nd: YAG laser capsulotomy is a safe and effective method to treat PCO. It is non-invasive and avoids all the complications associated with surgical capsulotomy and local anaesthesia.