Abstract Introduction: One of the most common complications of a cataract surgery is the Posterior Capsular Opacification. In the past, the treatment of PCOs was done surgically by making a small opening in the posterior capsule. Nd. YAG laser treatment causes photo disruption at a very high energy levels thereby disintegrating tissues. Materials and Methods: 140 patients ranging from 31 to 90 years of age with significant PCO, and complaining of gradual diminution of vision after a period of appreciably good vision following successful cataract extraction surgery were included in the study. After regular physical and clinical examination and visual acuity exam by Snellen’s test, confirmation was done by slit lamp method. With the help of the slit lamp, the optical beam was focuses on the posterior capsule and the laser shots were given. Lowest energy of 1.0 mJ was used initially and was increased as and when required. Results: The predominant age group affected was between 51 to 70 years of age. It took 6-12 months in most of the cases for the PCO to form after the cataract surgery (31.43%). For mild opacification, laser power setting was between 1-2mJ for most of the patients, For moderate opacifcation, >2 – 3mJ was required and for severe, requirement was >3-5 mJ. the visual acuity of the patients improved to a large extent. 6/6 -6/12 improvement was seen in 82 (58.57%) of the patients, while 46 patients (32.85%) had an improvement to 6/18-6/24. Out of the complications observer among the patients, the most common one was a rise in intraocular pressure by more than 5 mmHg which was seen in 22.14% patients. Conclusion: Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy as a good and successful treatment of PCO. It is one of the recent, non invasive and effective mode of treatment for PCO with least amount of complications and no hospitalization.
Keywords: Cataract surgery; Posterior Capsular Opacification; Neodymium Yttrium Aluminium-Garnet.