Neodymium: YAG laser posterior capsulotomy

Posterior capsule opacification, caused by pearl formation or fibrosis, occurs commonly following cataract surgery. This paper presents results of a study of 367 Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomies and discusses both risks and benefits. Specific attention has been given to intraocular pressure (IOP), corneal endothelial cell integrity, and visual acuities. The average maximum induced IOP rise was 1.4 mm Hg and this occurred within one hour of the capsulotomy. The average corneal endothelial cell change was a loss of 7% or 115 cells/mm2. Visual acuity improved to better than 20/30 in 87.5% of patients.