The Change in ACD and Refraction after Nd:YAG Laser Posterior Capsulotomy

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of NdYAG laser posterior capsulotomy on refraction, anterior chamber depth (ACD), and intraocular pressure (IOP). METHODS: For forty-eight eyes of 38 patients who received NdYAG laser therapy, we measured visual acuity, refraction, ACD, and IOP before the capsulotomy and at 1 day, 7 days, 30 days, 90 days after. RESULTS: There were no significant difference in ACD or IOP after YAG laser capsulotomy (P>.05). But we found significant decrease in astigmatism 1day after laser treatment, especially In the large axial length group (> or =24 mm)(P<.05). This early change in astigmatism was recovered to similar to what it was before laser treatment. CONCLUSIONS: YAG laser treatment after treatment of cataract is a stable method without clinically significant effect on refraction, ACD, or IOP, except for transient astigmatic change.