Stability of neodymium:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy in eyes with capsular tension rings

Abstract

AIM: To evaluate the stability of neodymium (Nd):YAG laser posterior capsulotomy in eyes with capsular tension rings (CTRs). METHODS: A total of 60 eyes that underwent cataract surgery and laser posterior capsulotomy postoperatively were included in this retrospective cohort study. To evaluate the safety and stability of capsulotomy, changes in the size of posterior capsulotomy and anterior chamber depth (ACD) in three groups: the group without CTR, the group with 12 mm CTRs, and the group with 13 mm CTRs, at 1wk, 3, 12, and 15mo after capsulotomy, were compared. RESULTS: In the group without CTR and the group with 12 mm CTR, there was no significant change in ACD at every post-laser follow-up. In the group with 13 mm CTR, the ACD change was significant until 3mo after capsulotomy. In all groups, there was a significant increase in the area of capsulotomy between 1wk and 3mo post-laser. Between 3 and 12mo post-laser, only the group with 13 mm CTR showed a significant increase in the area of capsulotomy (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Laser posterior capsulotomy is safe in all three groups. The capsulotomy and ACD become stabilized and have not shown significant changes since 1y post-laser, even with larger CTRs. The maintenance of centrifugal capsular tension can last longer with larger CTRs, and the stability of the capsulotomy site can be reached about 12mo after capsulotomy in pseudophakic eyes with larger CTRs.