Neodymium: YAG Laser Discission of Postoperative Pupillary Membrane: Peripheral Phtodisruption

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To treat pupillary membrane which developed after cataract operation and vitrectomy,steroid eye drops with mydriatics or, in sever case, tPA has been used. However steroid eye drops needs prolonged treatment and tPA has many complications such as, infection, or hemorrhage. We tried to remove pupillary membrane with Nd-YAG laser by using peripheral quadrantic disruption technique. METHODS: We treated 8 eyes from Jan. 1996 to Oct. 1999, and observed within 24 hours following Nd-YAG laser treatment. The pupillary membrane was cut with Nd-YAG laser and subsequently absorbed within 24 hours. RESULTS: There was no such complicaitons, as increased IOP, hemorrhage, and IOL damage. Immediately after Nd-YAG laser, visual acuity was improved and fundus was examined. CONCLUSION: Therefore we recommend Nd-YAG laser membrenectomy in cases of pupillary membrane, which did not respond to steroid therapy.