Study of rise of IOP and visual acuity after ND YAG laser capsulotomy in patients with posterior capsular opacification

Aims: To assess the 1. rise of IOP without use of pre procedure and post procedure anti glaucoma medication 2. and to note the improvement in visual acuity. 3. to observe other complications. Materials and Method: This study comprise of total 100 eyes of 98 patients who had Nd-YAG laser capsulotomy. Visual acuity and ocular pressure were recorded before procedure using Snellen's chart and applanation tonometry respectively. Capsulotomies were done using Nidek YAG laser system. Post-operative vision was recorded after 24 hrs. Post operative IOP was recorded at 4th hr, and 24hr. None of the patients were treated with IOP lowering medication. Results: Total 100 eyes of 98 patients with mean age between 40-76 yrs (53 males & 45 females) were studied. The improvement of visual acuity was excellent with > 90% of patients with > 2 lines of Snellen's chart after 24 hrs. Max rise of IOP occurred with in first 4 hrs of post op period mean IOP decreased steadily and reached based line by 24 hrs. Conclusion: Although the improvement in visual acuity is excellent after Nd-YAG laser capsulotomy certainly there is rise of IOP during early post op period max in 4 hrs. This deviation of IOP appears to be self limited.