Relationship between age at time of cataract extraction and time interval before capsulotomy for opacification

This retrospective study reviews the time interval between extracapsular cataract extraction with posterior chamber intraocular lens placement and neodymium (Nd):YAG laser posterior capsulotomy relative to the age of the patient at the time of cataract surgery. Two hundred thirteen consecutive laser procedures involving eyes that had had extracapsular cataract extraction within 6 years were reviewed. We found that there was an upper limit on the time interval from extracapsular cataract extraction to Nd:YAG posterior capsulotomy for all patients eventually requiring a Nd:YAG capsulotomy. This time limit appeared to be directly proportional to the age of the patient at the time of his or her cataract surgery: the older the patient at the time of surgery, the longer the period the patient was at risk for requiring a capsulotomy. Beyond this time limit, the likelihood that an Nd:YAG capsulotomy would be required was less than 2.5%. The prolonged period of risk for elderly patients may be related to an age-related decline in lenticular hyperplasia.