The Effects of Different Techniques and Energy Used in Nd: Yag Laser Posterior Capsulotomy on Intraocular Pressure: A Prospective Study

Abstract

Purpose: To study the relationship between energy used and its effect on IOP in different capsulotomy techniques i.e. cruciate, circular and inverted 'u'. Subjects and Methods:The study was conducted in 154 patients from the out patients department who fulfilled the inclusion criteria and developed posterior capsular opacification following successful cataract surgery. And the patients were randomly divided into three groups. Group I undergoing cruciate technique, group II undergoing circular technique and group III undergoing inverted U technique. Preprocedure intraocular pressure was recorded by using applanation tonometry. Patients undergoing Nd: Yag laser capsulotomy were seen after 2 hours, 1 day, 1week, 1 month and 3 months and IOP was recorded. The outcome was measured in terms of number of shots given in the technique, total energy used and intra ocular pressure changes after the laser. Results:In the light of our present study, we have found that group II which is circular technique group consumes higher no. of laser shots and higher amount of total laser energy which leads to transient rise in intraocular pressure. Correlation was found between the IOP readings obtained and amount of total laser energy used. Conclusions:The techniques cruciate and inverted U appears to be better and safer than the circular technique in terms of amount of energy used and the complications associated with it.