Abstract :
Background: Posterior capsular opacification (PCO) is caused by proliferation of lens epithelial cells
which causes fibrotic changes and wrinkling of the posterior capsule following extracapsular cataract
extraction (ECCE). It results in decreased vision, glare, and other symptoms mimicking that of original
cataract. PCO is treated by a non-invasive procedure, laser capsulotomy i.e. Neodymium yttrium aluminium
garnet laser (Nd: YAG). Objective: To find out the visual outcome and complications following Nd:YAG
laser capsulotomy.
Materials and Methods: The prospective observational study was conducted in the Department of
Ophthalmology, Calcutta National Medical College, Kolkata during March 2014 to August 2015. 60 eyes of
60 consecutive pseudophakic adult patients (age > 40 years) with posterior capsular opacity, who fulfilled
the inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected in the study.
Results: The study had female preponderance (58.3%). Most of the patients (42%) were 61-70 years old.
Most of the patients had visual acuity of 6/18 prelaser capsulotomy and 6/9 post laser capsulotomy. 73.37%
pre laser capsulotomy patients had visual acuity (VA) of 6/36 or better .91.6% post laser capsulotomy
patients had VA of 6/18 or better. The mean pre and post laser capsulotomy visual functional score were
54.45 ± 36.44 and 94.16 ± 50.36 respectively.
Conclusion: Nd: YAG laser capsulotomy is safe, effective and a rewarding non-invasive procedure for
visual improvement in PCO patients.
Keyword :
Posterior capsular opacification (PCO), Nd YAG laser capsulotomy, Visual acuity.