Neodymium: YAG laser surgery: the treatment of pediatric cataract disease

Cataract extraction in children has undergone dramatic changes during the past 20 years, largely as a result of technologic advances. The neodymium: yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser has indirectly brought the surgical technique full circle. The posterior capsule may be preserved at surgery and treated successfully with the Nd:YAG when necessary. In 16 such cases reported here, 11 patients with congenital and five with acquired cataracts all had improved vision after treatment with the Nd:YAG laser. The youngest patient was aged four years. The safety of Nd:YAG laser therapy is supported by this study.