EFFICACY OF ND: YAG LASER POSTERIOR CAPSULOTOMY IN VISUAL IMPROVEMENT OF PATIENTS HAVING POSTERIOR CAPSULAR OPACIFICATION

Background: Posterior capsular opacification (PCO) is a common complication following extracapsular cataract extraction. The objectives of this study were to determine the frequency of involved age groups, duration and type of posterior capsular opacification, improvement in vision and complications of posterior capsulotomy with ND: YAG Laser. Material & Methods: This study was conducted in Department of Ophthalmology, District Headquarters Teaching Hospital, Kohat, from January 2007 to June 2008. Patients aging more than 10 years with significantly impaired visual acuity due to posterior capsular opacification were included. Patients having very thick posterior capsules, patients with PCO following traumatic cataract surgery, patients having advanced glaucoma, diabetic or other retinopathies and patients with dislocated intraocular lenses were excluded. Results: Total number of patients were 250 including 135(54%) males and 115(46%) females. Age group 1, 2, 3 and 4 had 13(5.2%), 40(16%), 65(26%) and 132(52.8%) patients of PCO respectively. PCO development was maximum i.e. 40% between 03 to 12 months. The frequency of poor best corrected visual acuity (6/60-CF) of 150 (60%) was reduced to 5 (2%) with the procedure. The frequency of very good best corrected visual acuity (6/6-6/9) of zero (0%) was enhanced to 195 (78%) with the procedure. Frequency of YAG laser complications was raised intraocular pressure in 25(10%) patients, IOL damage in 30(12%), rupture of anterior vitreous face in 13(5.5%), anterior uveitis in 20(8%), cystoid macular edema in 20(8%) and retinal damage in 5(2%). Conclusion: Nd: YAG laser capsulotomy is safe, effective and convenient method for treatment of posterior capsular opacification.