[Polishing of protein-coated intraocular lenses with the Nd:YAG laser]

Extracapsular cataract extraction with implantation of posterior chamber IOLs has become a standard surgical technique with rare postoperative complications. However, in some patients, as a consequence of a particularly severe post-operative inflammation, proteins and pigment can be deposited on the surface of the IOL in spite of medical treatment. In certain cases such deposits can be removed by using the Nd:YAG-laser. The indications, methods and the postoperative course of this treatment are discussed.