DR. SASIKALA ELIZBETH ANILKUMAR

DR. KALPANA NARENDRAN

Abstract

Study evaluated the effectiveness of Nd:YAGLaser capsulotomy in 39 eyes for posterior capsule opacification after pediatric cataract surgery as an office procedure under topical anaesthesia. Mean age at time of procedure was 12.3 yrs. Mean duration after the initial cataract surgery was 26 months. Mean laser energy set was 2.4 milli joules. Vision had improved from a mean of 6/24(0.6LogMAR) to a mean 6/12(0.3LogMAR) after the laser (p 0.000). In the study group 71.8%(28), 18%(7) and 10.2%(4) had no or mild, moderate and very severe visual impairment respectively. Only one patient in the study group required two sittings of the procedure and one patient had to undergo surgical membranectomy due to failed YAG for thick membrane. Mean post Laser IOP was 18.4mmHg. Change in IOP was significant(p 0.0026). 3 patients developed steroid responder glaucoma after procedure. Study showed that Nd:YAGLaser capsulotomy can be performed safely and effectively in children under topical anaesthesia.