Study of Visual Outcome and Intraocular Pressure Changes Following Nd Yag Capsulotomy

Abstract

AIM: To study the Visual Outcome and IOP     changes following Nd:YAG Capsulotomy in patients with  Posterior Capsular Opacification (PCO). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 75 patients with PCO, after uncomplicated small incision   cataract surgery with IOL implantation, attending the        outpatient department of the Department of  Ophthalmology, Government Stanley medical College were included in the study.Complete ocular examination and visual acuity (pre and post laser)and IOP before and after laser at 1hour, 48 hours and on seventh day.  RESULTS: An improvement of visual acuity by 2 lines or more by Snellen acuity testing was seen in 89.34% of the cases. A transient and immediate rise in IOP was seen in 64% of the cases. The baseline pre-laser mean IOP was 13.58 mm Hg which peaked to 14.76 mm Hg by 1 hour after laser capsulotomy and then declined towards pre laser value and returned to baseline value by 48 hours with a mean IOP of 13.60 mmHg without any       anti-glaucoma medication.  CONCLUSION: Insignificant rise      (≤ 5mmHg) in intraocular pressure was seen in most of our patients which returned to baseline within 48 hours, hence routine anti-glaucoma medication may not be necessary following   Nd-YAG capsulotomy. 89.34% showed significant            improvement in visual acuity, with no incidence of vision threatening complications. Thus Nd: YAG laser capsulotomy is an effective, safe, rapid and non-invasive technique to  improve vision in patients with PCO.