[Increase in the intraocular pressure in postcataract surgery using a neodymium YAG laser]

In a prospective clinical study 54 postcataract membrane dissections (51 patients) were performed using a Q-switch Nd-YAG laser. Under standardized conditions all patients were pretreated with prostaglandin inhibitors and received topical steroids and beta-blockers in low concentrations, as well as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors orally. The changes in visual acuity and the response of IOP to total energy input were analyzed. There was no statistically significant correlation between postoperative rise in IOP and total energy input. The clinical relevance of the results is discussed.