[Laser extraction of brown cataracts with an Nd-YAG 1.44 mcm laser]

A total of 172 extractions of brown nucleus cataracts with maximum compactness were carried out using a RAKOT complex of devices, developed by the authors for laser extraction of compact nuclei and based on the use of Nd:YAG laser with a wavelength of 1.44 mu. Brown cataract was effectively destroyed at 200-250 mJ and pulse generation frequency 25 Hz within 9-12 min during the first 20 operations and 4-6 min during subsequent 152 operations. Five (2.9%) ruptures of the posterior capsule of the lens were detected. The cornea remained transparent on days 1-2 in 9 of 20 (45%) first operations and in 150 of 152 (98.6%) subsequent operations. A combination of common and heavy viscous elastic was used for the protection of the posterior surface of the cornea. The posterior capsule of the lens was protected by an original silicone thin plate. Loss of corneal epithelium in such a method of nucleus destruction is no more than 2-6%. Intraocular pressure is no higher than 21 mm Hg. If the coefficient of liquid discharge easiness is decreased before the intervention, intraocular pressure can increase during the early postoperative period. High visual acuity (0.7-1.0) was attained in 98% cases in the absence of concomitant retinal diseases. No complications which could be attributed to negative effect of laser on the eye were recorded during the remote period after the operation. The results indicate high efficiency and safety of laser extraction of cataracts.