Abstract

Background: Posterior capsular opacification and other related complications are naturally associated long-term,complications of extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE). Neodymium:Yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser is,an effective treatment for posterior capsulotomy. Objectives: To assess the effects and complication on visual acuity,following Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy after ECCE with or without intraocular lens (IOL) implantation.,
Materials and Methods: A total of 100 patients in between 15 and 85 years age group with significant complications after,performing pre-laser assessment were subjected to laser treatment. The treatment is done as an outpatient procedure using,VISUALS YAG-II Q-switched Nd:YAG laser. Post-laser treatment follow-up was done after 24 h, 1 week, 1 month, and,6 months interval for the improvement in visual acuity and to detect complications.
Results: Pre-laser visual acuity was,<6/60 in 61 patients, 6/24–6/60 in 29 patients, and in 10 patients it was 6/18–6/24. Post-operative mild iritis was seen in 3,cases, glare in 3 cases, vitreous floater in 4 cases, and pitting over IOL in 6 cases. Other associated complications such as,cystoid macular edema, endophthalmitis, rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, and hyphema were not observed in present,study. Conclusion: Among total cases, 93% cases had improvement in their best-corrected visual acuity. Nd:YAG laser,capsulotomy has minimal complications and is a safe and effective treatment procedure for complications associated with,ECCE. The results indicate that Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomies performed safe, effective, and carry a low-associated,complication rate.