The Effects of Nd:YAG Laser Posterior Capsulotomy on Macular Thickness, Intraocular Pressure, and Visual Acuity

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To evaluate how different energy levels of Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy affect best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), and macular thickness of patients with posterior capsule opacification.. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty eyes of 30 patients with posterior capsule opacification following phacoemulsification were enrolled in the study. Patients were classified according to total energy used during Nd: YAG laser capsulotomy (<= 80 mJ = group I, > 80 mJ = group II). RESULTS: Mean total energy levels were 58 +/- 18 mJ (range: 14 to 80 mJ) in group I and 117 +/- 36 mJ (range: 84 to 200 mJ) in group II. BCVA at 1 week preoperatively and 1 and 3 months postoperatively was significantly better compared to preoperative BCVA in both groups (P < .001). In group I, IOP increased 1 week postoperatively (P = .007) and declined to preoperative levels at 1 month. In group II, IOP increased 1 week postoperatively (P = .001) and did not return to preoperative levels during 3 months of follow-up (P = .04). Both groups had increased macular thickness compared to preoperative levels, but group II measurements were significantly higher 1 week and 1 month postoperatively compared to group I (P = .004 and .03, respectively). CONCLUSION: Increased IOP and macular thickness are inevitable after Nd: YAG laser capsulotomy, but the severity and duration are less when a total energy level less than 80 mJ is used. [ Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging 2012;43:395-400.]