The Measurement of the Laser Space in the Planned Extracapsular Cataract Extraction with the PCL

ABSTRACT

Cataract extraction is one of the most successful surgical operations currently being performed. In particular, extracapsular cataract extraction with intraocular lens insertion is widely regarded as the treatment best leading to post-surgical improvement in the patient's vision. However, with the increasing use of the 'Nd-YAG laser post capsulotomy' to treat a possible after-cataract following extracapsular cataract extraction, protection of the intraocular lens in the process of that treatment becomes a point at issue. Central to this problem is the degree of separation of the 'laser space' the amount of which was found to be dependent on the inserted lens. Out of total of 122 operations, the absence of a laser ridge on the inserted lens, resulted in the formation of a laser space in only 68.75% of the cases with the average separation being only 0.068mm. Insertion of a lens with a laser ridge, on the other hand, produced a laser space in 100% of the cases with an average separation of some 0.189mm.