Effect of Nd:YAG Laser Posterior Capsulotomy on Corneal Endothelial Cell Count in Relation to the Power of Laser Used

Posterior capsule opacification (PCO) is the most common visually disabling consequence of modern cataract surgery and has important medical, social and economic implications. Purpose: To compare corneal endothelial cell count before and after Nd: YAG laser capsulotomy, in patients with posterior capsule opacification among 2 groups. Method: Prospective, interventional study, including 100 eyes of 100 clinically diagnosed PCO patients, who were willing to undergo Nd: YAG laser capsulotomy. The patients were divided into 2 groups: Group-A (20 patients) Single pulse energy of 1.6mJ with total energy less than 10mJ was given. Group-B (20 patients) Single pulse energy of 2.2mJ with total energy less than 20mJ was given. The changes were observed at 2 hours, 2 days, 2 weeks, 2 months and 6 months. Data was analysed using unpaired t-test. Result: The difference between pre and post laser corneal endothelial cell count was found to be statistically significant. Finally in the 6th month post laser the cell loss was found to be 175.68 72.42 cells/mm2 (10.43 %) and 214.88 97.68 cells/mm2 (12.97 %) in group A and B respectively. Conclusion: a lower single pulse energy with lesser total energy treats PCO with lesser adverse effects.