The Effect of Two Different Opening Patterns of Neodymium:YAG Laser Posterior Capsulotomy on Visual Function

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of two different opening patterns in neodymiumyttrium-aluminum-garnet (NdYAG) laser posterior capsulotomy on visual function. METHODS: A randomized prospective study was conducted on 62 pseudophakic eyes from 50 patients with posterior capsular opacification (PCO). Groups A and B underwent laser posterior capsulotomy with a cruciate opening and a modified circular opening, respectively. The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), contrast sensitivity, and glare sensitivity were measured before and after laser posterior capsulotomy in both groups. The occurrences of intraocular lens (IOL) pittings were investigated and compared between the two groups. RESULTS: After laser capsulotomy, there were significant increases in BCVA, contrast and glare sensitivity in both groups and no significant differences between the two groups. However, group A had significantly more patients with three or more IOL pittings within a 1.5-mm radius from the IOL center (p = 0.047). In group A, these patients had significantly less contrast sensitivity (p = 0.023 in 1.6 cpd) and glare sensitivity (p = 0.043 in 1.6 cpd) than did patients with two or fewer IOL pittings. CONCLUSIONS: NdYAG laser posterior capsulotomy using a modified circular opening can be considered an effective method to manage PCO.