Finite element analysis of neodymium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet incisions for the prevention of anterior capsule contraction syndrome / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

ABSTRACT

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Anterior capsular contraction syndrome is a potential complication of continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (CCC). Three neodymium yttrium-aluminum-garnet (NdYAG) laser relaxing incisions decrease anterior capsular contraction but the mechanism is unknown. The present study analyzed the biomechanical mechanism of three NdYAG laser relaxing incisions made to reduce anterior capsular contraction.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A three-dimensional control model and a three-dimensional NdYAG model of the anterior capsule with an opening diameter of 6 mm were created. Three incisions of 1 mm in length were made centrifugally at intervals of 120° around the opening circle. The stress alterations of the anterior capsule after CCC with and without NdYAG relaxation were numerically simulated and compared.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In the control model, the stress was axially uniform in the inner area and relatively high near the inner rim of the opening. Meanwhile, in the NdYAG model, the stress level was very low in the inner opening areas, especially near the three incisions. The relaxing incisions in the NdYAG model significantly released the relatively high stress on the anterior capsule. Additionally, there was a high stress gradient near the relaxing incisions.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Biomechanical effects of stress release may be the preventive mechanism of NdYAG incision against anterior capsular contraction syndrome.</p>