Intraocular pressure changes after neodymium-YAG laser posterior capsulotomy
M. M. Channell and H. Beckman
Thirty-seven Q-switched neodymium-YAG laser posterior capsulotomies were
performed on 33 aphakic or pseudophakic eyes. The average intraocular
pressure increase during the first 24 hours after treatment was 12.0 +/-
6.9 mm Hg from a baseline value of 17.7 mm Hg in the treated eye v +0.7 +/-
3.5 mm Hg in the untreated eye. Seven eyes had larger capsulotomies
performed, averaging 250.7 millijoules (mJ) of energy per treatment. Thirty
eyes had smaller posterior capsulotomies performed, averaging 48.3 mJ per
treatment. Average IOP increases within the first day were 16.1 and 12 mm
Hg, respectively. All eyes in which IOP increased more than 5 mm Hg showed
the increase within the first 48 hours. In some eyes, IOP remained elevated
more than 10 mm Hg above preoperative levels for several weeks. Higher
pressures were associated with larger capsulotomies and increased energy.
Minimizing debris and shock waves are recommended as well as thorough
postoperative pressure monitoring.
