Background: Neodymium-doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (Nd:YAG)laser capsulotomy effectively treats posterior capsular opacification, restoring vision by creating a central opening.
Aim: This study aimed to enhance visual outcomes in patients undergoing Nd:YAG capsulotomy by assessing potential complications and risks in both healthy and diabetic groups.
Patients and methods: Acohort study was designed to collect all pseudophakic patients with posterior capsule opacification attending the Outpatient Clinic of the Ophthalmology Department, Suez Canal University Hospitals, Ismalia Governorate. The included sample population was assessed and scheduled for macular thickness measurement by Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) prior to and following treatment with Nd:YAG capsulotomy between October 2018 and November 2019.
Results: Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) significantly enhanced (P < 0.001) post-capsulotomy in both groups. Intraocular pressure (IOP) increased (P<0.001) at day 1 and week 1, then gradually declined by weeks 4 and 12, with insignificant variance (P>0.05) from pre-capsulotomy levels confirming a temporary rise requiring close monitoring in the first week, especially for high-risk patients. Central macular thickness (CMT) increased (P<0.001) at day 1 and week 1, then decreased by week 4 but remained higher than pre-capsulotomy (P<0.05) and lower than week 1 (P<0.001). By month 3, CMT returned to baseline (P>0.05) but was still significantly different from earlier time.
Conclusion: Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy enhanced visual acuity with temporary intraocular pressure and CMT increases, returning to baseline by week 12. It is safe with no lasting adverse effects.