CLINICAL ASSESSMENT OF VISUAL ACUITY, REFRACTIVE CHANGES AND IOP FOLLOWING ND:YAG LASER CAPSULOTOMY FOR POSTERIOR CAPSULAR OPACIFICATION

BACKGROUND \nNd:YAG laser capsulotomy remains standard treatment of PCO. Various studies have given differing results on BCVA, refraction \nand changes in IOP following Nd:YAG capsulotomy. Our study will attempt to assess these parameters and decide over any \nmanagement changes required before and after Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy. \nThe aim of the study is to assess the effect of Nd:YAG capsulotomy on BCVA, refraction (spherical equivalent) and IOP. \nMATERIALS AND METHODS \nBCVA, refraction, IOP measurement, slit lamp examination and fundoscopy was done 1 hour, 1 week, 4 weeks and 3 months \nafter the Nd:YAG capsulotomy. This is a prospective observational study with sample size of 40 patients. Study design used was \none-way ANOVA and Bivariate correlation. Study was analysed by SSPE software. \nRESULTS \nOur study enrolled 40 patients randomly. Improvement in BCVA was significant for all our follow ups with p value 0.00 for all \nvisits. Change in SE was not significant in any of our follow up (p 0.22 for 1st hour, 0.19 for 1st week; 0.25 for 4th week, 0.13 \nfor 3rd month). Change in IOP was significant in 1st hour with a rise in IOP of 2.23±2.51 mm hg (p 0.00). There was no \nsignificant change in IOP with subsequent visits (p 0.38 for 1 \nst week, 0.13 for 4th week, 0.15 for 3rd month) There was no linear \ncorrelation between power used and IOP changes. \nCONCLUSION \nNd:YAG capsulotomy is very effective procedure in restoring visual acuity of patients with posterior capsular opacification. \nRoutine IOP lowering topical drugs can be used prior to the procedure to prevent IOP rise immediately following procedure.