Vitreoretinal changes associated with rise in intraocular pressure after Nd:YAG capsulotomy

In a chart review of 100 consecutive Nd:YAG laser capsulotomies, six presumed risk factors of the rise in intraocular pressure (IOP) after capsulotomy were identified. A group of 15 patients in which the pressure rose to at least 10 mmHg above baseline postoperatively showed a significant (P less than or equal to 0.01) association with myopia, vitreoretinal disease, and vitreous prolapse into the anterior chamber. The previously known association of high pressures with glaucoma, a large capsular opening, or absence of a posterior chamber lens were also confirmed. There was no correlation between the energy used and IOP. These retrospective findings are suggestively consistent with the concept that injury to a liquefied vitreous may contribute to the IOP rise after capsulotomy.