A history of intraocular pressure rise with reference to the Nd:YAG laser

The rise in intraocular pressure after Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy is presently thought to be due to laser specific shockwaves and debris. Glaucoma has also been a frequent complication of mechanical discission as shown by a review of 84 cases from 1865-1932. Most authors have ascribed the pressure rise to vitreous or a quality of vitreous. Focusing on the disruption of the barrier between aqueous and vitreous as a common link between knife and laser discission, an attempt is made to combine the historical and recent views. It appears that apart from radiation effects, the Nd:YAG laser functions as a sharp knife and therefore shares the complications of mechanical discission, namely, glaucoma, injury to the vitreous and retinal detachment.