Comparison of Nd: YAG (Neodymium-Doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet) Laser Posterior Capsulotomy Techniques in The Treatment of Posterior Capsular Opacification

Abstract

Objective: To compare the safety and efficacy of different techniques of neodymium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd: YAG) laser posterior capsulotomy.

Study Design: Quasi-experimental study.

Place and Duration of Study: Combined Military Hospital Nowshera, from Aug 2015 to Mar 2017.

Methodology: A total of 120 patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were allocated to three groups. Group-A (Circular-group, CG) patients were subjected to circular pattern capsulotomy, group-B (Hinged-group, HG) patients underwent hinged pattern capsulotomy and group-C (Modified-group, MG) had a circular pattern of Nd: YAG posterior capsulotomy along with vitreous strand cutting (modified round pattern). Primary outcome measures were the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP) and annoying floaters at three-months follow up visits.

Results: The mean age of patients was 52.27 ± 5.65 years and there were 64 (53.3%) males and 56 (46.7%) females. The bestcorrected visual acuity improved significantly (p<0.001) in the modified round pattern group compared to the other two groups at two weeks post-capsulotomy. Intraocular pressure remained unchanged among the three groups. Significantly fewer patients in the modified treatment-group experienced annoying floaters as compared to hinged and circular treatment groups [3 (7.5%) vs 9 (22.5%) vs 12 (30.0%) respectively, p=0.038].

Conclusion: Modified round pattern Nd: YAG laser posterior capsulotomy is a safe and effective method for treating posterior capsular opacification.